HC asks police to up Verma’s security

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Wednesday asked the police to provide additional security to controversial arms dealer Abhishek Verma, a witness in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, as he was receiving threat calls.

The court directed the deputy commissioner of police (south) to depute two more security personnel for personal security of Verma, his wife and mother till October 10 as he has to undergo a lie- detection test between October 3 and 6. Currently, the police have provided one security personnel to Verma round-theclock in pursuance to a trial court order. While Congress leader Jagdish Tytler has refused to undergo the test, Verma had given conditional consent saying he is ready to undergo the test if he was provided round-the-clock security as he feared threat to his life.

“DCP (south) is directed to provide two more security personnel, in total three security persons, to the petitioner (Verma) and his family members till October 10,” justice IS Mehta said. Advocate Maninder Singh, who appeared for Verma, said he has to appear for lie-detection test between October 3 and 6.

The counsel sought more security for Verma and his family members so that he can appear for the test. The plea was supported by senior advocate H S Phoolka. Delhi Police standing counsel Rahul Mehra did not oppose the plea. PTI