Judge who awarded death to five pleads in vain for security

In November,last year,when ADJ Vani Gopal Sharma went abroad with her family,she was shocked on her return to learn that the two gunmen provided to her,as a routine security measure,were also withdrawn. She is left with none as of now. Also,of the two gunmen provided to her,only one used to be with her and that too till 5 pm. Sources close to her family claim that there were times,when both the gunmen had proceeded on leave,leaving her and her family unguarded.

Ironically,the advocate,who was the prosecution counsel in the case,has also been provided a round-the-clock security cover; but not the ADJ,who announced the unprecedented verdict,convicting five on charges of murder and awarding capital punishment.

The Superintendent of Police (Karnal) Rakesh Arya ,has withdrawn the security cover provided to the ADJ,citing reasons that there was no threat to her life. “Fresh threat assessment was got carried out by SHO,Civil Lines,Karnal and security agency in respect of Smt. Vani Gopal Sharma,ADJ,Karnal and from the perusal of the assessment report,presently there is no specific threat to Smt. Vani Gopal Sharma,ADJ,Karnal following which additional security has been withdrawn on 29.10.2010”,SP,Karnal wrote to the Sessions Judge,Karnal. A copy of the communication was also marked to ADJ Vani Gopal Sharma.

In response to the SP’s communication,the Sessions Judge,Karnal,categorically stated that the situation had not changed and the ADJ continues to have a threat to her life. “The threat perception is continuing as the hearing in the appeal is still pending in the Hon’ble High Court… It was completely uncalled for to withdraw the security provided to her (ADJ Sharma) in such manner”,the Session Judge wrote.

ADJ Vani Gopal Sharma,had merely asked for an “Escort” vehicle,during her inter-city travel,to avoid any untoward incident. However,the Haryana Police neither provided her any “escort” vehicle for the inter-city travel,nor provided her any security cover.

At present,ADJ Vani Gopal Sharma,who has an official residence on the highway; has no security cover at her residence. The two guards,provided to her are also quite irregular and often take leave from duty,leaving her totally unguarded.

One of the co-accused in the case,Gangaraj,who was awarded seven years’ imprisonment by the ADJ,has been acquitted by the High Court. The family sources added that with the release of Gangaraj,the threat to the family had increased.

When asked,V Kamaraja,Inspector General of Police (Rohtak Range),said,“It is very serious. I am not aware of any such issue. I will definitely get it checked and the adequate security shall be provided”.