Lal Singh leads ‘justice march’

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 19

Continuing his campaign for a CBI probe into the rape-murder of an eight-year-old Kathua girl, BJP MLA from Basholi and former Forest Minister Choudhary Lal Singh on Thursday led a ‘justice march’ in Jammu.

Lal Singh, who was made to resign from the Cabinet by his party recently for meeting the agitating people of Kathua, said he would continue to fight for a fair probe by an independent agency. “We want a probe by the CBI. This is the opinion of people. I am doing my karma,” the former minister said. He said if the court feels any wrongs have been done, it could also order a fresh probe.

When asked by mediapersons about the divisions in the BJP over the issue and Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh not hinting at a fresh probe during his press conference, he said: “I have raised the demand as a BJP leader. I am out of the government. They are part of the government and it is their view.” Meanwhile, a large number of civil society members participated in the rally and demanded justice to the victim.

“We demand a CBI probe as people have no faith in the Crime Branch. Let there be fresh investigation to unveil the truth,” said Sunil Sharma, one of the participants in the rally.

People drawn from various parts of Jammu took part in the rally.

“Why is the state government afraid of ordering a fresh probe? We are for strong punishment to the perpetrators of the hideous crime. But the government should listen to people,” said another participant in the rally.