Eyewitness in murder case gets death threat

GHAZIABAD: A 58-year-old technician working with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been receiving death threats for quite some time after he became an eyewitness in a murder that took place in a lodge in Bhiwadi area of Rajasthan in January this year.
Hariom, a resident of Morti village, which is in the Sihani Gate police station area, is allegedly facing threats from the family of the murder accused.

On Tuesday, Hariom approached the senior superintendent of police, Ghaziabad about the threats he has been receiving and filed a complaint. He sought protection from the city police.

Hariom told police that in January, he had gone to Bhiwadi to offer prayer at the famous Baba Mohan Ram temple and was staying at a lodge along with his relatives.

“A person was shot dead by one Sumit inside the lodge. I was subsequently made an eyewitness in the case by Phool Bagh police station. In April, I recorded my statement at a local court. Two months back, I identified the accused and told the court that I had seen Sumit shooting the person with a gun,” Hariom said.

But ever since the accused’s family has allegedly been mounting pressure on him to take back his statement. “When I did not succumb to pressure, I frequently started receiving calls on my mobile phone wherein the callers threatened me of dire consequences to me and my family members, including my wife, children and elderly parents. I had thought that helping police in the case would help the victim’s family get justice, but I am being threatened and no help is coming from any side. I am about to retire in a couple of years, but facing threat to life now,” he added.

A police official said that Hariom’s complaint would be looked into and suitable action would be taken accordingly.