Beant case: Another witness testifies

Pala Ram said that a powerful blast took place when the CM was about to enter the car. Staff car of the CM, as also the cars parked nearby, caught fire, he added. After being injured, he was taken to the PGI where later his statement was recorded by Inspector Nana Ram.

During cross-examination, he stated that he didn8217;t know whether 20 or 50 or more people had entered the gate that day. He had not seen anyone moving under suspicious circumstances between 2 and 5 p. m. and between 5.05 p.m. and 5.10 p. m., he added. It was further stated that it was incorrect that the witness had already left the place of duty when the blast took place.

The witness stated he had never been on duty with the Chief Minister either at his residence or office. 8220;I had been seeing the Chief Minister8217;s photographs in newspapers,8221; Pala Ram said.

He, however, added it was wrong to suggest that he did not recognise the person who entered the car when the blast took place.