Continue security for cop who probed Katara murder case: HC to Centre

One-liner: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Centre to continue providing security to a senior UP police officer who was the investigating officer in Nitish Katara murder case.

Judge direction: A judge said the authorities shall continue providing security to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anil Samaniya till the next date of hearing on Dec 10.

Fears for his life: The HC issued notice and sought response from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi govt, Delhi Police, UP govt and Director-General of UP Police on the petition by the officer who is retiring on Nov 30 and fears for his life.

• Samaniya said he has been provided with security cover since 2002 till date and after his retirement, the security would be withdrawn and in that event, his life as well as that of his family members would be in grave danger
• He said he is retiring after exemplary service of 40 years from the UP Police and had investigated the infamous Nitish Katara murder case in which Vikas and Vishal Yadav, son and nephew of ex-minister D P Yadav, were involved

Security for witnesses:  An advocate, representing the officer, said Nitish Katara's mother Nilam Katara and Ajay Katara, who were witnesses in the murder case, have already been provided with round-the-clock security looking at the threat perception.

Jail term awarded: On Oct 3, 2016, the Supreme Court had awarded a 25-year jail term without any benefit of remission to Vikas Yadav and his cousin Vishal for their role in the sensational kidnapping and killing of Katara.

Why the murder: Katara was murdered as Vishal and Vikas Yadav did not approve of his affair with Bharti Yadav, daughter of UP politician DP Yadav, because they belonged to different castes, the lower court had said in its verdict.

Source: PTI