1984 anti-Sikh Riots Case: Abhishek Verma Ready to undergo Polygraph Test

The court also asked Verma to give the statement in writing, that he wished to undergo the test if fulltime security is offered to him till the test was conducted
The court had directed Tytler and Verma to provide 'unambiguous' statements on whether they were willing to undergo the lie detection test
The case pertains to the riots at Gurudwara Pulbangash in North Delhi on 1^st November 1984, in which three people were killed, just a day past the assassination of then Prime Minister of India- Indira Gandhi

New Delhi, July 08, 2017: Abhishek Verma, a controversial arms-dealer and a witness in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case allegedly involving Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, gave a statement to a Delhi court on Thursday that he was prepared to undergo a lie-detector test if that ensured full security to him and his family; Press Trust of India has reported.

During the hearing, Verma was present and he stated that- while Tytler had Z-plus security, he was offered protection only on the days of court-hearing and he anticipated severe threat to his own life as well as that of his mother and wife.

According to PTI reports, Verma agreed to the suggestion of the counsel, meant for the victims in the court that he should be provided with 24 hours security till he gives nod for the polygraph test.

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Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur and Kamna Vohra, who represented riot victims, said "Here is a witness who is willing to depose against Tytler. Witness protection is very important. Till the time his statement is recorded or lie detection test is conducted on him, he be given security round-the-clock so that he has no apprehension of grave danger to his life. After conducting the test, the threat perception could be re-assessed."

According to the reports, Shivali Sharma, the additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, stated that she was curious to know the stand of the CBI's investigating officer regarding this issue and listed this matter for 18^th July as he was not present on Thursday. CBI prosecutor had mentioned to the court that the IO is out for a training session and would be available after two weeks.

The court also asked Verma to give the statement in writing, that he wished to undergo the test if fulltime security is offered to him till the test was conducted and his perception of a threat be re-assessed post that.

PTI reports say that besides carrying out a test for Verma, CBI has also sought for Tytler to undergo a lie-detection test, which has been refused by him.

The court had directed Tytler and Verma to provide 'unambiguous' statements on whether they were willing to undergo the lie detection test. It had held that the CBI's plea for obtaining the consent of the two for the test was maintainable.

It had mentioned that, if there were any conditions attached to their consent, Verma and Tytler should have to appear in person for clarification.

According to the reports, the CBI's move to seek permission for carrying out polygraph test on Verma and Tytler, came in pursuance to the court's order of 4^th December 2015, in which it was stated that the test may be conducted, if necessary.

The case pertains to the riots at Gurudwara Pulbangash in North Delhi on 1^st November 1984, in which three people were killed, just a day past the assassination of then Prime Minister of India- Indira Gandhi.

Reportedly, Tytler was given a clean-chit by the CBI three times in the case, post his denial of involvement in the riot; but the agency was directed by the court to pursue further investigation in the matter. A protest petition had been filed by the victims, challenging the closure reports of CBI in the case.

The court had directed the CBI on December 2015 to investigate the matter, and decided to supervise it in every two months, just to ensure that all the aspects were thoroughly investigated.

The agency had gone through severe re-investigation regarding the murder of Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh near the Gurudwara after a court in refused to accept its closure report December 2007. The CBI has already filed three closure reports in that case; PTI has reported.