Indians refuse settlement proposal in Sharjah murder case

A proposal to settle the case involving 17 Indians, who have appealed the death penalty for killing a Pakistani in Sharjah, has been refused, according to the lawyer representing the defendants.

Bindu Suresh Chettur said the family of the Pakistani man told the court that they were ready to accept compensation including blood money but we refused because justice is on our side.

"The prosecution has failed to establish the relationship between the offence, weapon with which crime was committed and the scene of the crime. No evidence has yet been brought before us," she told Press Trust of India after a hearing yesterday.

According to her, evidence cannot be accepted in the light that no weapon has yet been presented before the court as evidence.

"It is the duty of the prosecution to establish that the weapon which was used to commit the crime is present before the court. That hasn't happened despite several hearings," she said.

The court has fixed February 17 as the next date for hearing during which more witnesses have been asked to remain present.

In January 2009, a bootlegging dispute between an Indian and Pakistani group reportedly over territorial rights had led to the death of a Pakistani national Misri Nazir Khan near a Sharjah labour camp. Seventeen Indians were arrested and sentenced to death.

During the previous hearing, on December 17, the defense was prepared to cross-examine the evidence that the prosecution was to bring to the court but that didn't materialize.

Instead a CD containing the reconstruction of the scene of the crime was provided. However, the police officials that were supposed to be present in the court did not show up.

The court has asked the prosecution to ensure the presence of witnesses, including a Sharjah police personnel who prepared the report which formed the basis of conviction.