The Hindu : National : Prosecutor `withdraws' from BMW case

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 01, 2007
ePaper

National

National

Prosecutor `withdraws' from BMW case

Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Special Public Prosecutor I.U. Khan on Thursday withdrew from the BMW hit-and-run case after NDTV showed him speaking to witness Sunil Kulkarni in his chamber.

However, a Delhi Government release said Additional Public Prosecutor Rajiv Mohan had replaced Mr. Khan.

Earlier, while "seeking withdrawal," Mr. Khan told Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Kumar that the sting operation was defamatory, mischievous, and aimed at settling scores. While he did not deny meeting Mr. Kulkarni in his chamber on April 28, he alleged that what was broadcast was "selective" and doctored.

A reporter from NDTV was pestering him for either an interview or access to the case diary, he said.

"When I refused citing professional reasons, she allegedly threatened to expose me."

Mr. Khan told the court that he sent a letter to NDTV in this regard and, subsequently, the channel apologised for "some misunderstanding."

He also sent copies of the report to the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Chairman of the Press Council.

He added that the reporter concerned was issued notice by another court for misreporting facts in another case.

Mr. Justice Vinod Kumar said the sting operation required an inquiry by the court. "It is serious if it [sting operation] is not true, and it is serious if it is true."

He summoned Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Anil Shukla to his chamber on Thursday to assist him.

After Mr. Rajiv Mohan told the court that he would be on leave from June 1 to 25, the judge deferred Mr. Kulkarni's cross-examination till Friday.

Mr. Anand, who featured in the footage broadcast on Wednesday, did not appear before the court on Thursday.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National