HC Deb 31 March 1914 vol 60 cc1001-2
9. Mr. MORRELL

asked whether it is the intention of the Government of India to allow the sentence of transportation for life passed upon Gangha Singh, in the Sitapur murder case, to be carried out without snaking any inquiries into the truth of the statements made to the police since the trial implicating one Mathura in this murder, and alleging that he had already been the subject of previous charges of murder; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that Gangha Singh was acquitted by the only Court that tried him and heard the evidence, and that doubts exist as to the justice of his subsequent conviction, the Secretary of State will now direct that these inquiries should be made?

Mr. C. ROBERTS

The Secretary of State has no information as to any such statements. The story about Mathura did not form part of the defence in the first case, either in the original trial or on appeal; nor was it advanced in the original trial of Bachan Singh. When it did appear in Bachan Singh's appeal it was not supported by any evidence, and was discredited by the Assistant Judicial Commissioner. It subsequently came to the notice of, and was the subject of careful consideration by, the Local Government, the Government, of India and the Secretary of State in Council in connection with Gangha Singh's memorial. The decision on that memorial has already been stated, and the Secretary of State sees no sufficient reason for directing that further inquiry should be made.

Mr. MORRELL

Do I understand that inquiries have been made into the facts alleged in the petition?

Mr. C. ROBERTS

Yes, Sir; they have been the subject of careful consideration by the Local Government, the Government of India, and the Secretary of State in Council.

Mr. MORRELL

Can my hon. Friend say if, as a result of the inquiry, it has been found to be the fact that this man Ganglia Singh has been accused of murder previously?

Mr. SWIFT McNEILL

Has he been accused three times of murder?

Mr. C. ROBERTS

I can inquire into that, but it was not included in the original petition.

Mr. MORRELL

It is of no use making inquiries unless they are made as to the particular points mentioned in the petition.