NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has permitted the Association of the Victims of the Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) to aid the prosecution in a fraud case against businessman Sushil Ansal.
Ansal was found guilty in the 1997 Uphaar cinema fire incident that resulted in the deaths of 59 individuals.
The chairperson of AVUT, Neelam Krishnamoorthy, submitted a request to assist the prosecution, citing specific concerns regarding the investigation and the chargesheet.
In 2019, the Delhi Police’s crime branch charged Ansal under Section 12 of the Passport Act for allegedly obtaining a passport while concealing information about his nationality. Additionally, FIRs were filed citing violations of IPC Sections 177 (providing false information), 181 (making false statements), 192 (fabricating evidence), 197 (issuing false certificates), and 420 (cheating).
On August 4, Chief Judicial Magistrate Shriya Agarwal stated, “The Association that initiated this case should have a right to assist the prosecution, as there are no legal restrictions.”
The court emphasized that AVUT is allowed to assist in the prosecution without causing any disadvantage to the accused. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa noted that the case was initiated through a Delhi High Court directive connected to a writ petition from AVUT, thereby enabling the association’s participation.
According to the 8-page report from the police, Ansal allegedly misled governmental authorities under oath by denying any previous criminal convictions.
The Delhi High Court’s order to investigate stemmed from Krishnamoorthy’s complaint, which alleged Ansal provided false or concealed information when renewing his passport.
Ansal had returned his passport on August 14, 2017, acknowledging the potential for adverse legal actions against him, according to the report.
Krishnamoorthy, who suffered the loss of two children in the tragedy, has been advocating for the victims’ families for over 20 years.
It is mandated that applicants for new, re-issued, or replacement passports must disclose any involvement in criminal cases and obtain a no-objection certificate from the relevant court if they are facing criminal prosecution.
The tragic fire at the Uphaar cinema occurred during a screening of the Hindi film ‘Border’ on June 13, 1997, claiming the lives of 59 people.
