LS expresses concern over acquittals in Jessica case

New Delhi, Feb 27: The Lok Sabha today (Feb 27, 2006) expressed concern over the acquittal of the accused in the Jessica Lal murder case as members of the Left and the Opposition, taking exception to the promotion of the sessions judge who had held the trial to the Delhi High Court, demanded a 'retrial' and a CBI inquiry.

Virtually agreeing with the sentiments expressed by Mr Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) and Prof V K Malhotra (BJP) and others, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi assured the House that he would convey their concern to the Home Ministry.

Raising the matter during zero hour, Mr Dasgupta said Delhi Police Commissioner K K Paul, who was the Joint Police Commissioner when the investigation was on, had given a report stating that evidence was being tampered with to secure the acquittal of the accused who had money power and were well connected to the corridors of power.

The Opposition thumped their desks and shouted 'shame, shame' when Mr Dasgupta wondered why the trial judge was promoted after he delivered the verdict in the case in which the victim was a "commoner and the accused were important persons".

Mr Basudev Acharya (CPI-M), Mr Mohan Singh (SP), Mr Raghunath Jha and Mr Devendra Prasad (both RJD) and others associated themselves with Mr Dasgupta and Prof Malhotra.

Mr Dasmunsi said the case "is the concern of the entire House", including the Congress and this would be conveyed to the Home Ministry.

UNI

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