Gulberg verdict: Conspiracy theory requires a due burial

New Delhi, June 18: The much awaited verdict in Gulberg society massacre case was delivered yesterday. While there were life sentences handed out to 11 persons which made it clear that the conspiracy angle to this case has been laid to rest and is required its due burial.

These observations by Judge P B Desai puts an end to the narrative that the state's machinery had conspired and engineered these riots.

While the court also observed that the prosecution made no attempt to establish that the police officers were part of the conspiracy, the judge also said that the mob had turned murderous after former MP, Ahsan Jafri opened fire at them.

Conspiracy theory shot down:

First and foremost the mob was not interested in killing. They were engaging in stone pelting. However when Jafri opened fire the mob turned murderous the court observed. On the issue of conspiracy the judge observed that several attempts had been made to rake up the conspiracy theory.

The court made it clear that no material has been considered even prima facie worthwhile to arraign senior police officers, politicians and government officials as accused in this case. It would be unsafe and improper to even have a further discussion in this regard the Judge also said.

The court observed that the Special Investigating Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court had not brought any evidence forward to establish the larger conspiracy.

The testimony where two drivers were discussing a meeting to hatch a conspiracy was termed "ridiculous" by the judge. The evidence provided by Ashish Khaitan following a sting operation was also junked with the observation that the entire transcript was not tendered before the probe agency or the court.

On the conspiracy theory there is only stray evidence and that too it is not trustworthy.

The special court had yesterday awarded life terms to 11 persons. While delivering the verdict on the quantum of sentence, the court awarded seven years imprisonment to 12 while one more person was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. The court had convicted 24 persons in connection with this case while acquitting 36.

OneIndia News