Chandigarh, December 13
The Union Ministry of External Affairs may take up the case of Mr Kultaran Singh Anand, an Indian businessman, who was murdered in Teheran on August 7 last year, at the diplomatic level to ensure justice to the bereaved family.

The ministry may call the Iranian Ambassador to impress upon him the need of dispelling the impression that Sikh community of Iran in general and the bereaved family in particular may not get justice in the case.

The ministry may also issue directions to Indian Ambassador in Teheran, Mr K.C. Singh, to pursue the case at his level and insist that the killer should not go scot-free as was being apprehended by the widow of the Indian businessman.

Last night Mr Iqbal Singh Anand, a brother of the deceased, Mr Kultaran Singh Anand, had accompanied the president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Mr Paramjit Singh Sarna, to the External Affairs Minister, Mr K. Natwar Singh, to seek intervention of the Indian Government in the case.

“Mr K. Natwar Singh told us that he would call the Iranian Ambassador in a day or two in connection with this case and also speak to Indian Ambassador in Iran. He promised us that government would use diplomatic channels to ensure that justice is done to the bereaved family,” said Mr Paramjit Singh Sarna.

Talking to The Tribune this afternoon, Mr Sarna said that Mr Iqbal Singh Anand was fully satisfied by the assurances given to him by the External Affairs Minister.

Mr Sarna confirmed that the DSGMC also submitted a memorandum to Mr K. Natwar Singh demanding that Sikhs in Iran, which are a minute but rich business community, must be accorded reciprocal benefits as enjoyed by Iranian citizens in India.

“Furthermore, Islam has laid down universal fundamental rights for humanity which are to be observed and respected in all circumstances. Human blood is sacred. Other provisions have been laid down by Islam as fundamental rights for every man by virtue of his or her status as a human being. Nor is there any difference between a Muslim and a non-Muslim in respect of civil or criminal law as prescribed in the Islam,” said the memorandum.

Meanwhile, Mrs Harbans Kaur, octogenerarian mother of deceased Kultaran Singh, has petitioned to the Indian Ambassador in Iran, Mr K.C. Singh, to request his personal presence in the Teheran Criminal Court on December 15.

“I am the ailing mother of Kultaran Singh. I cannot attend the trial because of my ill health and old age. I am unable to walk. You are fully aware of the global Indian and Sikh solidarity to seek justice for my son and justice should be based on the principle of equality.

“As all the Ambassadors personally take interest in the trials of their nationals in the similar cases of highest importance in Iran, I humbly request your personal presence in the court which would convey the concern and solidarity of people of India and the Government of India to all those present. It will also convey that our people and our government are seriously concerned for seeking justice on the principle of equality before law ,” wrote Mrs Harbans Kaur in her petition.