Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi, May 21: In what could be a major controversy in the offing, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Wednesday linked Sarabjit Singh’s case with Afzal Guru, the convict in Parliament attack case, saying we can’t seek Afzal’s hanging and pardon for Sarabjit Singh.
Talking to media persons in his hometown Latur, the Home Minister linked the two cases saying, "If you want Afzal hanged then why ask for Sarbjit’s pardon."
Singh has been sentenced to death for his alleged involvement in four bomb blasts in Pakistan nearly two decades ago. His hanging has been deferred for the time being after the Indian government sent a mercy plea.
Those seeking a reprieve for Singh have argued that it was a case of mistaken identity and that he was not present at the crime spots.
He also said, "Attack on the Parliament was a personal blow from me." "We can not accuse one community for everything going wrong in the country," he added.
Talking further about Afzal Guru, awaiting President’s mercy on his death sentence,
Patil said, "Government will do whatever the law says."
The statement of the Home Minister drew immediate flak from the Opposition as senior BJP leader Ravishanker Prasad said, "It is very irresponsible for the Home Minister to make such comments."
He added that this comment by Patil clearly indicates that government has ‘given up to Pakistan.’
First Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 00:00