The Supreme Court Friday dismissed the Maharashtra government's plea against the Bombay High Court's order directing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of six people in police firing during the 1992 Mumbai riots.

The apex court directed the CBI to continue with its investigation.

Police opened fire to disperse a mob indulging in arson and looting in Hari Masjid area during the riots that followed the Dec 6, 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The high court ordered a CBI probe into the firing by Sub-Inspector Nikhil Kapse in which six people were killed within the premises of the mosque.

The Maharashtra government claimed that Kapse fired at the mob on the orders of Deputy Commissioner of Police K.L. Bishnoi.