AVUT urges LG to reject mercy plea of Gopal Ansal

New Delhi, June 23

Family members of the 1997 Uphaar cinema tragedy victims today met Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and requested him to recommend rejection of the plea filed by real estate baron Gopal Ansal for waiver of one-year jail term awarded to him in the case.

The Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) handed over a representation to the LG saying giving such mercy to "rich and powerful" people would send a wrong message to other wrongdoers in society.

The association said the Delhi Government has already recommended rejection of the plea filed by Ansal.

"We at AVUT request you not to consider the mercy plea filed by Gopal Ansal. Using discretionary powers to provide mercy for the rich and powerful is sure to send a wrong signal to other wrongdoers who will doubtless be emboldened by any mercy shown to Gopal Ansal," AVUT, in its representation filed through its president Neelam Krishnamoorthy, said.

"We are relieved that the Delhi Government has recommended rejection of the mercy plea. We hope that you too will accept our request and recommend rejection of the same," it said.

AVUT has said Ansal, through his counsel, has filed a plea before the president requesting clemency and waiver of the jail term awarded by the Supreme Court and it has been forwarded to the LG office by the Home Ministry for an opinion. — PTI