The Hindu : New Delhi News : Unable to come to India: ‘84 riots witness

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Friday, Dec 07, 2007
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Unable to come to India: ‘84 riots witness

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Jasbir Singh, a witness in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in which Congress MP Jagdish Tytler has been named, told a court on Thursday that he was ready to testify but had difficulty coming to India.

It was also suggested in the court by senior advocate H. S. Phoolka that his testimony could be recorded through video conferencing from the U.S., where the witness is currently staying.

Address furnished

During the hearing of the case, Jasbir’s counsel Navkiran Singh told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sanjeev Jain that his client had difficulty coming to India due to immigration problems but was ready to testify. He also furnished the California address of his client to the court.

Mr. Phoolka, appearing for the riot victims, told the court that the witness did not have a permanent residence in the U.S. and therefore would face immigration problems on coming to India. He suggested that his testimony be recorded through video conferencing from the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.

However, counsel for the Central Bureau of Investigation said the agency would like Jasbir to be physically present in the court while recording his testimony.

The Magistrate directed Jasbir’s counsel to suggest how his client can join the investigations. He also asked the CBI to file its reply on the suggestion made by Mr. Phoolka. Both parties have been directed to file their reply on December 18.

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