‘JUST AN ONLOOKER, HAD NO FIREARM, WHY SHOULD I KILL ANYONE’
LUCKNOW Jeetendra Malik aka Jeetu, the army jawan who was arrested in connection with the killing of a police inspector in Bulandshahr, told investigators he had no firearm nor a motive to murder anyone during the violence on December 3. SSP, Special Task Force, Abhishek Singh said Malik confirmed during preliminary interrogation that he was on leave and present in the village when violence erupted after recovery of cow carcasses on December 3 but denied any involvement in the violence.
LUCKNOW : Jeetendra Malik aka Jeetu, the army jawan who was arrested in connection with the killing of a police inspector in Bulandshahr, told investigators he had no firearm nor a motive to murder anyone during the violence on December 3.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Special Task Force, Abhishek Singh said Malik confirmed during preliminary interrogation that he was on leave and present in the village when violence erupted after recovery of cow carcasses on December 3 but denied any involvement in the violence.
The SSP said Malik claimed he was just an onlooker and returned home after some time. He said he came to know about the firing when a villager informed him over the phone. Thereafter, he left the village as he had to return to his duty, the SSP said, quoting Malik.
The STF was involved in mediating with army officials to get custody of the army jawan and did a primary interrogation after getting his custody in Meerut Saturday midnight. He said Malik was handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by inspector general (IG) of police, Meerut range, Ram Kumar for further questioning and legal proceedings.
“While answering questions, Jeetu stated that he was standing near a crossing in the village along with some villagers, when suddenly a group turned violent and started pelting stones. He mentioned that he went to the violence spot out of curiosity,” said an SIT member.
He also said Jeetu claimed he was only among one of the onlookers and had no involvement in the violence when he was shown the video in which he was visible along with other rioters.
He said Jeetu stated he was aware he was among one of the 27 accused named in the FIR lodged by police in connection with the mob violence and killings. The SIT member said Malik denied killing the inspector, and questioned why he would murder the policeman when he did not even know him. Moreover, the accused asked how could he shoot anyone when he did not have any weapon.
He said the accused denied knowing local youth Sumit Kumar, the second person killed in the violence on December 3.