Date:30/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/30/stories/2007113062550700.htm

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‘Help Indians sentenced to death’

Six from Andhra Pradesh convicted

HYDERABAD: Acting swiftly on information that six expatriates hailing from Andhra Pradesh have been sentenced to death on charges of murdering a security guard in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the Union Minister for Overseas Affairs, Vayalar Ravi has directed the Indian Consul General in UAE, Venu Rajamony, to provide legal assistance to the accused persons.

Based on the information he received from the Consul General, the Minister clarified that only two out of the six persons presently jailed had been sentenced to death while others were handed out three-year prison sentence.

Six persons, hailing from Armoor and Jakranpalli mandals in Nizamabad, had left for UAE on visiting visa four years ago. They were picked up by UAE police on charges of allegedly murdering a security guard last year and are languishing in Mudira jail since then.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Nizamabad MP Madhu Yaskhi on Thursday, Mr. Vayalar Ravi directed officials in the UAE to inquire into the case.

“The Indian Consul General has been asked to hire a legal team to assist the six persons to fight the case in higher court,” Mr. Madhu Yaskhi said.Energy Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir, who looks after the NRI Affairs, told reporters that the Government had already written to the Indian Consulate in UAE to help the victims.

The Government will not hesitate to challenge the verdict in a higher court, he said and added that the cost of legal assistance would be borne by the State Government.