Proceedings in Raju Pal murder trial stayed

New Delhi, Apr 4 (UNI) The Supreme Court today stayed the trial court proceedings in the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case.

A bench comprising Mr Justice B N Aggarwal and Mr Justice A K Mathur passed the stay order while hearing the petition filed by his wife Pooja Pal, seeking CBI inquiry into the murder of her husband.

Raju Pal was murdered in January 2005 in Allahabad and Samajwadi Party MP Atiq Ahmed and his brother are the main accused in the case.

The court asked the petitioner why she was pressing for CBI inquiry when the investigation in the case was already complete and the chargesheet has been filed in the court, and the case was being heard by the Fast Track court.

The petitioner responded by telling the court that the case has not been properly investigated and crucial evidence in the case has been deliberately ignored to save the accused persons, who belong to the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.

In all, 11 accused are facing trial in the case.

Adjourning the matter for four weeks, the court directed the petitioner to file an affidavit within two weeks, substantiating her allegations.

The state of UP has also been directed to file its response before the next date of hearing.

UNI AKS/SC TM HT2210