With the court convicting the lone militant in the controversial Batla House encounter for murdering Inspector M.C. Sharma, the slain cop’s family on Thursday voiced satisfaction, saying it proved his martyrdom was genuine and the politicians who had raised doubts were wrong.
Ms. Maya Sharma, whose husband M.C. Sharma had led the police team that had stormed an apartment in Batla House to catch alleged terrorists, said the judgement has proved that it was not a fake encounter as claimed by certain politicians.
“Now it has been proved by the court that it was not a fake encounter and that martyrdom of my husband was genuine. The encounter was questioned by the political parties for their own benefit as it had happened during the election year. Thursday’s judgement has proved them wrong,” Ms. Sharma said.
Sharma had led a seven-member team to the Batla House on September 19, 2008 on a tip-off that suspected terrorists, involved in the serial blasts in the capital. He had succumbed to the bullet injuries sustained during the gun battle. He was accorded the highest gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra.
The shootout had sparked a controversy with Congress leader Digvijay Singh claiming that it was fake, but his party had swiftly distanced itself from his remarks.
Slamming those who had termed the encounter as fake, Ms. Sharma said she was least bothered about the allegations.
“And this was very painful for me. He was performing his duty leaving behind his ill son on that fateful day and sacrificed his life. He had gone there to solve the serial bomb blast case in Delhi.
“The court is yet to pronounce the quantum of punishment to the convict.... There will be attempts again to raise this issue but I am least bothered as I was earlier also,” she said.
Welcoming the court verdict, Sharma’s father Naurottam Sharma said “There is some relief. I am satisfied with the court’s decision, but await the final judgement. I am worried that the accused can move the higher court.”
