Rajiv Nagar massacre: Pak national acquitted

JAMMU: The failure of prosecution to prove charges against a Pakistani national alleged to be involved in the infamous 2002 Rajiv Nagar massacre, led to his acquittal today.
On 13 July 2002, some militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba intruded into Rajiv Nagar area (also known as Qasim Nagar) where they lobbed hand grenade and entered into temporary shelters of poor labourers and resorted to indiscriminate firing causing death of 29 persons and injuries to about 30 persons.
The police had then arrested Mohammad Abdullah alias Abutal of Multan in Pakistan alleged to have killed people.
Principal Sessions Judge Samba MK Sharma while hearing the case today observed that to prove allegations against Abdullah, the prosecution cited as many as 79 witnesses, out of which, the prosecution examined only 13 witnesses.
“The prosecution case is based upon eye witnesses’ account as well as circumstantial evidence. The circumstantial evidence is in the form of disclosure statement of the accused.
“I am of the opinion that the prosecution has miserable failed to bring home the charge against the accused for the commission of offences of which the accused is charged.
“The only available course therefore, is to discard the anaemic evidence and acquit the accused. The accused is, therefore, acquitted of the charge,” the judge ruled.
“Since, the accused is a Pak national, so, the State is directed to take steps for deportation of the accused to his native country,” he said.
The seized arms and ammunition shall be released in favour of the State of J&K after the expiry of period of appeal, the court said.

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