NEW DELHI: Karamjit Singh, 34, the man accused in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination attempt case, who was sentenced for life imprisonment last week spoke to a newsman in between the proceedings of the case at Tihar jail.

As no reporter or photographer was allowed inside the high security court in Tihar jail, the written questions were given to Harvinder Choudhry who is the counsel of Baldev Singh Mastana another accused in the case Karamjit answered these questions in between the proceedings.

“I will like to submit that I did not commit any crime according to the Sikh religion and do not consider myself an accused,” he said when asked what he felt about the incident. “Thus I don’t want any compassion from court to reduce any sentence as they did not even allow me to have a lawyer of my own choice,” he added.

While giving details of his imprisonment, Karamjit said, “I have been suffering for the past eight and a half years. Initially I was kept in solitary confinement and Charles Shobbraj was also in the same ward being an escapee.”

When asked about the condition in jail and the equality of food ho was served, Karamjit said that the food served to him was of good quality and was prepared by the jail cook.

Karamjit Singh who has done a pre-engineering diploma from Punjab University, Patiala, completed his graduation during his eight year stint in Tihar jail. “I did my BA through correspondence from Punjab University and the exams were held before the jail superintendent,” he said. “I wanted to do my MA also but I was not allowed to use the jail library or lo move out of jail,” he added. Karamjit claimed that several applications for this were rejected by the court.

While praising the inspector-general (1G) of prisons, Kiran Bedi, Karamjit quipped,” she is very good and has brought lot of changes in the jail.” “In the last six and a half years! did not see any IG(P) but she visits the prisoners regularly,” he added. He stated that his separate security costs about Rs one lakh.

When asked about his future plans, as and when he comes out of jail, he said.” I will do what the panth wants me to do.”

Article extracted from this publication >> April 28, 1995