Behmai carnage case hearing on January 8

KANPUR: Hearing in Behmai carnage case was adjourned on Saturday when additional district government counsel moved an application before the court of additional district and sessions judge of Kanpur Dehat to summon prosecution witnesses Rajaram Singh and Vakil Singh for re-examination. ADJ MA Khan fixed January 8 as the next date for the disposal of application.
The government counsel stated that two witnesses had given their evidence on September 24, 2012 and October 4, 2012.Both had stated that accused Vishwanath alias Krishna Swarup was not involved in the incident.
Contrary to the evidence, the two had identified Vishwanath alias Krishna Swarup during identification parade on April 22, 1981. The previous government counsel had not asked any question on that point. Therefore, it was necessary to recall them under the provisions of criminal procedure code and allow the government counsel to cross-examine them, government counsel Raju Porwal pleaded.
Earlier, the prosecution had submitted that one dacoit named as Man Singh, involved in Behmai carnage, was living in Sikandara and running a hotel. He should be arrested and presented before the court.
Behmai carnage case gained momentum when ADJ Khan ordered to hear the case on daily basis as per direction of high court in September last year. The court had recorded the first evidence on September 24 last. Since then prosecution had produced as many as four witnesses.
A gang led by bandit queen-turned-politician Phoolan Devi raided Behmai village on February 14,1981 around 2.30 pm and searched for dacoits Lala Ram and Sriram. When the gang could not find the two brothers, looted the property of the villagers and dragged 25 persons towards Yamuna river, where they shot all of them.