Activist Teesta Setalvad (File photograph)
Activist Teesta Setalvad, who is facing arrest for alleged embezzlement of funds, received a last-minute court reprieve on Thursday even as the Gujarat police landed at her doorstep.
The Supreme Court has stayed the arrest of Ms Setalvad and her husband, who have been accused of misusing funds raised for a museum at Gulbarg Society, where over 60 people were killed during the 2002 communal violence.
Arguing her case, former Union minister and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal said the Gujarat government was using its "mighty force" to arrest her.
This morning, soon after the Gujarat High Court refused her plea for protection from possible arrest, the Gujarat police arrived at her Mumbai home.
While rejecting her anticipatory bail plea, the high court said she was "not cooperating" with the investigation and her custodial interrogation would be "in public interest" and "in the interest of justice".
Ms Setalvad, who has for years fought for the victims of the Gujarat riots, has denied that she misused around Rs.1.5 crore allegedly collected for the Gulbarg Society museum.
The complaint against her was filed by 12 residents of the society after the museum project was reportedly shelved. Ms Setalvad claims the allegations are politically motivated.
HL Dattu, the Chief Justice of India, said the activist's anticipatory bail plea will be taken up on Friday.