Remove Teesta Setalvad off the Padma Shri list: MP Narottam Mishra

Narottam Mishra, the MP for Home, urged that Teesta Setalvad’s “Padma Shri” award be revoked.

Narottam Mishra, the home minister for the state of Madhya Pradesh, urged on Tuesday that Teesta Setalvad’s “Padma Shri” award be revoked.

The Gujarat police recently detained Setalvad in connection with a case involving alleged evidence fabrication in the 2002 Gujarat riots. She will be in the Gujarat police’s custody until July 2.

When addressing the media, Narottam Mishra stated: “She belonged to the “Award vaapsi” group (those threatening to return awards). Given the Supreme Court’s criticism of people like Teesta Setalvad, whose behaviour has grown suspect and who has been detained, the prize should be revoked.”

Additionally, he charged that Setalvad received the honour because the previous Congress administration was “appeasing minorities” by doing so.

Teesta Setalvad received the Padma Shri award, one of the highest civilian honours, from the UPA administration at the time in 2007.

After the Supreme Court confirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exoneration in the 2002 Gujarat riot case and declared that anybody attempting to “keep the kettle boiling” should face charges, Setalvad was arrested.