Date:08/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/08/stories/2008100860201200.htm

National

‘SP may pull out if Jamia students are innocent’

PANAJI: Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh on Tuesday indicated that his party could withdraw support to the UPA government if the two students of Jamia Millia Islamia arrested in connection with the Delhi serial blasts were proved to be innocent.

“Shoot them if they are terrorists. But if they are innocent, then they should be given justice,” Mr. Singh said addressing reporters here, and added, “If a judicial probe says they are innocent, then we can think of withdrawing support to the UPA government.”

He made the statement while talking on the issue of deceased Delhi Police (Special Cell) Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma’s family rejecting his Rs. 10 lakh offer.

“I feel sad that his family has reacted in this manner,” he said.

Renewing his demand for a judicial probe into the Batla House encounter in which Mr. Sharma was killed, he said senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani has agreed to take up the case of the two students following his request.

Further, Mr. Singh said he will pay the legal expenses for the students after speaking to authorities of the Jamia Millia University.

Citing media reports, he said doubts have been raised about the Batla House encounter and the subsequent arrest of the students. “A judicial probe is necessary to clear all confusions,” he said.

Mr. Singh, however, said his statement did not mean to support any terrorist “but at the same time innocents should not be harassed.” — PTI