The Hindu : National : Tehelka witness seeks security

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Sunday, Jul 17, 2005

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National

Tehelka witness seeks security

PATIALA: In a sensational disclosure in the Tehelka case, prosecution witness Samuel Mathew, who carried out the "West End" sting operation, on Saturday claimed that he was threatened by senior Army officers to favour accused Brigadier (retd.) Iqbal Singh and demanded security in view of the threats.

Mr. Mathew made this disclosure during the General Court Martial (GCM) of Brig. Iqbal Singh in the Tehelka case being heard at GOC, Two Corps here.

Mr. Mathew told the court — "I have been approached by senior Army officers/civilians. Threat and inducements are being made and I am shocked and disturbed and not in a proper state of mind."

"In addition to this I find various anomalies in my summary of evidence and the statements have been tampered with and additions made to favour the accused (Brig. Iqbal Singh)," he said in his written statement read out before the GCM.

The star prosecution witness said he was summoned to depose before the GCM of Brig. Iqbal Singh. "I am unable to depose before this GCM as I am not maintaining good health", he said. Mr. Mathew said that he had conducted the sting operation (for Tehelka) in the larger interest of the nation and to weed out corrupt practices in the system in consonance with the highest traditions of journalism. The witness requested that he be recalled on July 30 for further deposition. — UNI

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