Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Who, when, how
On January 10, 1999, a drunk Nanda ran over and killed six people including three policemen. Police tracked the car8217;s oil trail to a Golf Links home, where the vehicle was being washed. Nanda, Manik Kapoor, Sidhartha Gupta arrested.
LIES, VIDEOTAPE
The case went through dramatic twists and turns with many witnesses turning hostile. It was argued that a truck, not a BMW, was involved. A TV sting showed Nanda8217;s lawyers trying to persuade witness Sunil Kulkarni to turn for money.
WHAT NOW?
Sentencing is likely today. Nanda could get a maximum 10 years in jail. Phula Devi, widow of a constable who died in the accident, said: 8220;If a rich man is held guilty, it is a good thing. But I still believe he will escape with a light punishment.
This trial poses greater questions about8230; the meaning of a fair trial, and how the court should proceed when witnesses are being won over and the trial is being hijacked by the high and mighty
8212; Vinod Kumar
Additional Sessions Judge
