
The parents of Aditya Sachdeva are shocked over two eyewitnesses to the murder of their son turning hostile in court.
Shyam Sunder Sachdeva, the distraught father, said on Thursday: "We did not even know that Aditya had been gunned down. The four boys accompanying Aditya in the car only informed us. The case was lodged on the basis of their statements. Two of them have now turned hostile. It is a matter to ponder whether the boys are under some pressure or threat. Anyway, changing the statement is making a mockery of the judiciary. It is also a blot on friendship."
Aditya was killed on May 7 this year, allegedly after the car he was travelling in overtook an SUV in which Rocky Yadav, son of a powerful political family, was travelling.
During a witness trial in the court of additional district and sessions judge (ADJ) IX Suresh Prasad Mishra on Wednesday, two of Aditya's friends, Nasir Hussain and Ayush Agarwal, failed to identify Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky Yadav.
"Yesterday (Wednesday), the two boys failed to recognise the main accused. In future, they may even go to the extent saying 'we do not know Aditya'. Such things should not happen. The court should also make provisions of punishment if someone changes statements," Shyam Sunder said.
Aditya's mother Chand Sachdeva said: "We do not know why the boys changed their statements, but I have a request to the court: Please deliver justice so that a message is sent across loud and clear. Even if a few witnesses change their statements, justice should not be denied and the crime cannot be hidden by telling lies.
"We are still hopeful to get justice. We have faith in our chief minister who will not let things go in the wrong direction. We have faith in the government and the police administration." Asked if the family feels insecure, Shyam Sunder said: "We do feel that but there is no direct threat so far."
Rakesh Ranjan Yadav alias Rocky Yadav, the son of suspended JDU MLC Manorama Devi and RJD strongman Bindeshwari Prasad Yadav alias Bindi Yadav, is the main accused in the case. Three others, including Rocky's father, cousin Teni Yadav and Rajesh Kumar, the MLC's bodyguard, have also been made named accused.
Charges have been framed against all four in the court under different sections of IPC that deal with murder, attempt to murder, concealing facts, furnishing false information, public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save person from punishment, Arms Act and others. There are a total of 31 witnesses, including four eyewitnesses, who have to be examined in the court during witness trial.
Apart from the witnesses, other evidences include the pistol (murder weapon) recovered by police, cartridges, blood-stained clothes of Aditya and the report of forensic science laboratory.
When contacted, Gaya senior superintendent of police Garima Malik said: "Police have collected all evidence in the case during investigation." Asked about the nature of evidence, she replied: "Circumstantial, scientific and technical, whichever it may be."
The combination of an expensive vehicle, young suspect and influential father has similarities with a hit-and-run in Calcutta in January this year. Sambia Sohrab, son of former Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA and now Trinamul leader Mohammed Sohrab, had vanished after allegedly knocking down and killing an air force corporal but was later nabbed.