Killed militant wanted to join Jamia Millia?

By Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI, DEC. 26. Reports that the young man killed in an encounter with security forces at Batla House here this morning had sought accommodation in the area on the pretext of seeking admission to Jamia Millia Islamia resulted in the University's name being dragged into the incident.

Forced on the defensive by a statement made to the press by Mr. Gyan Chand, landlord of the house in which the Abu Samal was staying, the authorities are planning to come out with a statement on Wednesday to clear the air. According to the Registrar, Mr. M.N.A. Chaudhary, no student or employee of Jamia was involved in the episode.

On whether the police had crosschecked Mr. Chand's statement, the Registrar said the University had not been contacted in this regard. ``Why drag the University into this just because Batla House happens to be in the neighbourhood? New Friends Colony is also nearby. Why not use that as a point of reference?''

Meanwhile, the North-East Delhi police today denied having detained or arrested two persons in connection with the shoot-out at the Red Fort. The DCP (North-East), Mr. S.K. Gautam, told The Hindu that two Kashmiri tourists had been picked up for questioning by a constable, who found their movements suspicious, but the two incidents were not connected. While maintaining that the questioning was carried out as part of a verification drive, Mr. Gautam said interrogation revealed that the Kashmiris had come on a visit to Delhi some days ago. ``The two were found carrying some maps they were using for sightseeing. They were let off as soon as the officials were convinced that they were only tourists. As of now, we have no information regarding the movement of any militant in our area.''

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Residents allege fake encounter by security forces
Next     : Police kill 2 students protesting Hrithik's remark