Update on Trial of Manju's killers

The following is from a mail from the MST.
Mail starts here ->
UPDATE - FIRST TRIAL DATES, 5-7 JUNE 2006 (also posted on
www.manjunathshanmugamtrust.org)

- Media informed; press note released.Much preliminary preparation done by the prosecution team.Mr. IB - our lawyer - has been completely committed, involved and done star quality work. He is well known with a strong and good reputation, even amongst the media.
- Trustees met with HT editor in Lucknow and reached Lakhimpur Khiri on 5th morning.
- Big crowds; 5-6 TV channels, plus TOI, IE and HT reporters apart from local press.Our endeavour - no individual names, photographs or quotes. Press note only, which talks of the Trust as a group.
- All eight accused brought in with larger police contingent as they got violent with the press and raised slogans of `bandhi union zindabad'
- Hearing started at 12.30 p.m, and this was the only case heard
till court closed.
- Two policemen - who caught two of the accused with the body - gave evidence and were cross examined.
- There are seven defence lawyers, as except for two of the accused, every one else has his own lawyer - and each is given an opportunity to cross examine.
- That ended Day One. Trustees returned to Lucknow and thence back - on Day Two, Kamini Jaiswal, the noted Supreme Court lawyer, with a Trust volunteer (also a friend and batchmate of Manju's) - took over.
- Ms. Jaiswal's presence also created a big impact. The volunteer's presence showed that more people are involved, and he was asked for quotes on Manju.
- Day Two was the start of examination of the non-state witnesses: Manju's landlord, and a neighbouring petrol pump owner.
All three gave proper and relevant evidence. This was important. They were confident during the intensive cross examination.
- Ms. Jaiswal and Mr. IB left after discussing the strategy for Day Three.
- Day Three saw the proceedings being adjourned. The witnesses could not be produced due to unavoidable reasons.
- The Judge is proceeding on vacation and has given us next dates only of 6-7 July
- We have sent letters requesting daily hearings to The Hon'ble Sessions Judge, The Hon'ble Chief Justice, Allahabad High Court, and The Hon'ble CJ, Supreme Court.
- If necessary we will meet the CJs to push this.
Days of mixed feelings - relief, optimism, and much sadness. It is distressing to see the accused; to hear the graphic details; see the photographs. The resolve gets reinforced.. Quote from one of the Trust attendees: "I am happy that I came. I can't express the way I am feeling."
PLEASE JOIN US AND ATTEND THE HEARINGS. NEXT DATES 6-7 JULY. EMAIL US. THIS WILL HELP PRESENT A SHOW OF STRENGTH

<-Mail ends here