M A I N   N E W S

‘Dead’ terrorist issue echoes in LS
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 22
The “dead” terrorist issue echoed in the Lok Sabha for the second day today, with BJP member from Punjab Avinash Rai Khanna raising the issue, which was duly supported by Shiromani Akali Dal members.

Quoting extensively from a news report published in The Tribune, the BJP wanted the government to identify the 300 terrorists, who had been declared “dead” in Punjab, but were still alive.

He alleged that police officials had even bagged awards for having “eliminated” these terrorists and compensation had also been claimed from the state government.

Three members of the Akali Dal supported the issue raised by the BJP member.

On not getting any reply from the government, the three MPs later staged a walkout.

Meanwhile, SAD leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa accused the government of not taking up the turban issue with the French President nor giving appointment to SAD leaders to meet the French delegation.

Women’s body seeks reinvestigation in
Jessica murder case

New Delhi, February 22
The All-India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) today expressed shock over the acquittal of all accused in the murder of ramp model Jessica Lal and demanded the state appeal against the verdict and reinvestigate the case.

“The acquittal by the Additional Sessions Court is a disturbing verdict and highlights yet again the glaring infirmities in the legal process,” AIDWA president Subhashini Ali said.

She said: “Justice is denied to the victims, especially where the accused belongs to elite, influential and moneyed section.”

Condemning the role of the police, Ms Ali said it connived to render the investigative process defective.

She demanded action against those found guilty of tampering with evidence, influencing the witnesses to turn hostile by monetary and other considerations and conniving to distort truth. — UNI