84 victims demand framing of murder charges against Big B

Chandigarh, Dec 3: A day after megastar Amitabh Bachchan pleaded innocence in the 1984 Sikh riots case, All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and National 1984 Victims Justice and Welfare Society, organizations have demanded framing of murder charges against the Bollywood star.

The organizations, which have been pursuing the court case for the riot victims for past few years have said that they would present witnesses at Akal Takht, who were present during the Bollywood actor raised the slogans of 'Khoon Ka Badla Khoon' after the assassination of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

Karnail Singh Peermohammad, AISSF leader reacting to the plea of innocence by Bachchan said that the witnesses would present the case on Dec 5.

"Amitabh is one of the culprits. By sending a letter and saying 'My grandfather was a Sikh,' he cannot escape punishment for his actions. I had lost 25-30 members of my family in that massacre. We strongly condemn if any government or organization is planning any move to forgive Amitabh," said Babu Singh Dukhiya, 55, a riot victim.

"Amitabh's statements had actually started the massacre and he has to pay the price for it. One cannot acquit a murderer only on the basis of an apology," Dukhiya added.

"It is unfortunate that instead of demanding the filing of murder charges against Bachchan for instigating killing of Sikhs, Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) controlled Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member is pleading his case before Sri Akal Takht Sahib while there is a criminal complaint pending against Bachchan," said Peermohammad.

"Bachchan used to call Indira Gandhi 'mother' and after her death, he used his superstar status and influence to instigate the killing of Sikhs. Due to his continued proximity with Congress, Bachchan's role in 1984 genocide was never investigated and now, when victims have filed criminal complaint in Australia, Bachchan for the first time in 27 years is forced to take a plea of innocence," added Dukhiya.

Bibi Jagdish Kaur, a prime witness in the case who said that she saw the live telecast on Doordarshan and, "Amitabh Bachchan raising his arm and shouting the slogan, 'khoon ka badla khoon sae laengae' twice". Kaur lost husband, son and three brothers in the massacre.

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