1984 anti-Sikh riots: Accused seek transfer of case

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court today sought CBI's response on a plea of two of the accused, who along with Congress leader Sajjan Kumar are facing trial in a 30-year-old anti-Sikh riots case, seeking transfer of the case.

Accused Brahmanand Gupta and Peru moved an application before district judge Talwant Singh, who recently took over charge, seeking transfer of the case from his court on the ground of jurisdiction.

The court issued notice to the CBI on the plea and sought the agency's reply on January 6.

"Accused Brahmanand Gupta and Peru have moved an application for transfer of the case on the ground of jurisdiction. Notice given to CBI.

"Let advance copy of the reply be given to the counsel for the accused. Be put up for filing of reply and arguments on January 6, 2015," the court said.

It also took on record a supplementary challan filed by the CBI in the case.

Gupta and Peru sought transfer of the case saying it should be transferred to the district where the alleged offence took place.

CBI prosecutor D P Singh said by moving this application, the accused are trying to delay the proceedings in the case and run away from it.

Senior advocate H S Phoolka, representing the victims in the case, said the plea amounts to "contempt".

"They (accused) are trying to choose the judge and we are contemplating of filing proceedings against them," he said.

Kumar, Gupta, Peru, and Ved Prakash are facing trial for charges of murder and rioting in connection with the case of killing of Surjit Singh in Sultanpuri here.