Witness who identified Phoolan's killer seeks security

New Delhi, Jan 23 (UNI) Head Constable Balender Singh, the prosecution witness who identified the murderer of Bandit Queen-turned parliamentarian Phoolan Devi before a local court on January 19, has prayed for providing him security in the wake of ''pressure'' on him.

Additional Session Judge V K Bansal took serious view of the matter and directed the Investigating Officer and the SHO, Parliament Street to provide security to Balender Singh, as well as his family members here and those in his village.

The investigating officer was also directed to collect the addresses of the witness and his family members and report to the court today, as to what security measures are being taken in this regard.

Head constable Balender Singh appeared before the court as a prosecution witness and identified Sher Singh Rana alias Pankaj and Dheeraj Rana alias Dhan Prakash alias Vicky, present in the court, as the people who fired on him and Phoolan Devi on July 25, 2001.

Sher Singh shot at Phoolan Devi outside Parliament on July 25, 2001 killing her.

The case has been adjourned for cross examination of Balender Singh on February 2.

UNI