BJP wants Soren dropped, PIL says its govt in Ranchi wanted case dropped

Citing the letter, the petition filed by advocate V K Ohri in the Supreme Court urges it to restrain the state of Jharkhand from withdrawing the prosecution in the case. The PIL also wants the apex court to ‘‘secure the presence’’ of the JMM leader and other accused in the case to ensure trial in the Chirrudih massacre. Although the incident in which 10 persons were killed and ten houses burnt in Jamtara district occurred in 1975, investigation dragged on for seven years. The petition states that the chargesheet was filed only in 1982.

Cognisance in the case was taken by the judicial magistrate in 1986. Summons were subsequently issued, but Soren never appeared before the court. ‘‘No attempt appears to have been made to secure the presence of the seven absconders in the case, including Soren, who became a member of the Lok Sabha and is now a Union Minister,’’ says the petition.

The PIL also seeks directions to see that the trial pending before the additional sessions judge in Jamtara is conducted and completed expeditiously, and that an independent inquiry is initiated to determine those officials who deliberately tried to drag their feet in the case. Efforts be also made, the petitioner says, to see that the accused persons do not influence the case.