Retrial in five 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases: HC issue notice to CBI

New Delhi [India], Apr 20 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with its earlier order that the five cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which all the accused were let off should be re-opened. The High Court observed that the witnesses weren't allowed to depose and the Delhi Police did not carry the investigation in the best possible matter. The High Court was also of the view it seemed that the police was in a hurry to dispose of the cases. The production warrant has also been issued to Balwant Khokhar, an accused presently lodged in Tihar Jail. The case will be next heard on May 1. Earlier, the apex court directed the Centre to deposit more than 190 files in connection with this case. Expressing serious concern over the closure of more than 190 cases, out of a total of the 293 cases referred to the SIT on the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases, the court asked the Union of India to produce on record on April 25 all the files related to closure of these cases by the SIT. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that the SIT in as many as 263 cases had no case files and added that there was no trace of any victim or witness. (ANI)