Special court to visit Gulbarg killings site

Eight years after the Gulbarg society massacre, the special court hearing the case decided on Monday to visit the scene of crime to clear several doubts that had arisen after the recording of victims and witnesses' statements in the case. Some 69 people had lost their lives and several others were injured in the massacre that took place at Gulbarg society on February 28, 2002.

Special judge BU Joshi on Monday observed that the court had till date examined 331 witnesses in the case and only two more witnesses needed to be examined. This might be done on Wednesday, the judge said. 

The court observed that as the scene of crime was very vast and the versions of different witnesses had described the crime from different angles, inspection of the scene was a must to help properly evaluate the statements.  

"The court has decided to visit the spot on October 2 as it has special powers to inspect the scene of offense. The aim is to help get a better understanding of the geographical positioning of the location," said RC Kodekar, special public prosecutor in the Gulbarg Society massacre case. 

Special judge Joshi will be accompanied by four members of the court. The court, incidentally, has allowed the lawyers to participate in the inspection. The victims-cum-witnesses are allowed to remain present in their respective houses so that they can co-operate with the court during the inspection.

The designated court has told the lawyers not to suggest or direct the court in the inspection. They are prohibited from making any submission in this regard, except extending their support to the court whenever required during the process.  The court has directed the prosecuting agency-the Supreme Court-appointed SIT - to arrange for photographers and other requirements. The SIT has also been asked to make necessary security arrangement for the inspection.