New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday framed
charges against former Uttar Pradesh MLA Udai Bhan Singh and
five others accused of killing an eye-witness of murder of
three persons in Varanasi in which they were allegedly
involved.
"I am satisfied that a prima facie case against all
the six accused under various provisions of IPC, dealing with
criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and criminal
intimidation, is made out," Additional Sessions Judge O P
Saini said.
The framing of charges against former Samajwadi Party
MLA Udai Bhan Singh and accomplices would pave the way for
start of trial against them for killing Rakesh Pandey, an
eye-witness of the triple murder case, on the morning of
February 17, 2003 at Gopiganj police station at Sant Ravidas
Nagar district near Varanasi.
The victim, who had refused to accept Rs five lakh for
not deposing in the triple murder case, was threatened and
later shot dead at the behest of the accused leader. Two
others had also received bullet injuries during the incident.
The court has fixed the matter on November 23 for
recording evidence of prosecution witnesses, signalling the
start of trial.
Initially, the MLA and nine others were arraigned as
accused for killing Pandey. However, three accused, Santosh
Kumar Singh, Vinod Kumar Singh and Bashir Khan, died during
pendency of trial and a fourth one Kallu was declared a
proclaimed offender after he went absconding.
Bureau Report
