(The Times of India
26 May, 2007)
Hashimpura massacre: 615 under RTI
by Rakesh Mohan Chaturvedi/TIMES NEWS NETWORK
LUCKNOW: It was almost 20 years ago that the personnel of Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) shot dead 42 Muslims of Hashimpura mohalla in Meerut. These men were picked up by the PAC men after a riot broke out in Meerut on May 22, 1987.
Since then the families of the victims have been fighting for justice with no success. However, the Right to Information Act has given them a new hope.
On Thursday, the families of the Hashimpura case met DIG, DC Pandey, in the UP DGP's office. They submitted 613 applications under the Right to Information Act.
Two more applications were filed in connection with the case by activist Vrinda Grover."This is a record of sorts as far as number of RTI applications on one issue are concerned,"said Grover.
In all, 50 men had been picked up by the PAC men, led by Platoon Commander, Surinder Pal Singh on May 22, 1987 after the communal riots in Meerut were controlled.
These men were taken to the Upper Ganga Canal, Murad Nagar, and the Hindon Canal. Here these men were shot at and their bodies were thrown into the canal. While 42 men died and two were permanently disabled, six of them survived to tell their tale.
After the press and NGOs raised a hue and cry, this case was transferred to the CB-CID in 1988. The investigation was dragged on for about six years after which 19 PAC men were indicted.
"These men were from the lower ranks and the seniors were spared,"Grover informed. In the past 20 years since the massacre, three of the 19 men are dead. This includes the platoon commander, Surinder Pal Singh.
Grover feels that the CB-CID report should be made public as it had indicted more people than were made public later.
"There was an unprecedented delay in the investigation which shows that some men were shielded under pressure,"she argued. Once the details tumble out under the RTI Act, some skeletons in the police cupboard will be come out.
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