Case against 17 to be re-opened,families panic

For the youths’ families,who had been expecting their return,the news has come as a rude shock. Ravinder Singh,a resident of Patti in Taran Taran district,whose brother Suhjinder Singh is among the 17,said: “On Wednesday afternoon,my brother called my brother and told her that the case of murder had been re-opened and that they did not know what was happening to them now. My brother began crying and so did my mother. I could not talk to my mother because every one in the family suddenly became very anxious.”

S P Singh Oberoi,who is currently in Punjab,said: “There is nothing to panic. Misri Khan’s brother had filed an application in court on September 12 and the summons was sent to the boys in jail just a couple of days ago. I have talked to my legal team and they have told us that the boys need not appear in the court because we have already paid the blood money. Khan’s brother is demanding compensation but we have already deposited the money with the court and now it is court’s wish whom to give what. The court has already paid a set amount to Khan’s mother,father,children and wife.”

“I have reassured the families that the issue has no bearing on our case. We are hopeful that after October 21,our case will be cleared and the boys will be able return home safe and sound,” Oberoi added.