1984 Delhi Sikh Genocide - Statements

Statement submitted before the Nanavati Commission

Witness No. 61

Name : Harbans Singh

Age : 66 Years

Occupation : Retired

Address : H.No.61, Block-A, Gali No.8, Bhajanpura, Delhi-53.

On SA

I have filed an affidavit before this Commission. It is shown to me. It bears my signature. I have nothing more to say then what I have stated in the affidavit. The affidavit is taken on record and marked as Exhibit No. 61/1.

Cross examination by S.S. Gandhi, Sr. Advocate on behalf of Delhi Police

It is true that except on 1.11.1984 I was not given any field duty. I had not filed any affidavit earlier in respect of what I have stated in my present affidavit. I had not complained to any ACP or DCP about non-supply of arms to me by SHO or regarding the behaviour of SHO.

Before 31.10.84 I used to get arm when I was sent on duty. Arms were given to me only when I was sent out on duty. I was sent in the jeep of the SHO for my own security. It is also true that SHO has also sent his jeep on 3.11.1984 for taking me to my house escorted by SI Banwari Lal. SHO at that time told me to go home and see my wife and children.

The shops in the tire market were not burnt in my presence. The conversation which I had heard on wireless set was on District Wireless System. The person-giving message normally gives code numbers while giving message. It is not necessary that the person who is receiving the message would give his code number. But, he would acknowledge that he had received the message. If he has to send any message then he would give his code number also.

I joined the police force as Constable in the year 1953. I know that there were call signs. I knew that in November, 1984 what call signs were but today I do not remember. I had not any attempt to find out that who was sending the message by referring the call signs. It is not correct to say that I have state falsely that I have heard wireless message referred to by me in paragraph 7 while I was in the police station.

Inspector Jai Singh was in charge of the investigation of FIR case No.277/84. It is true that the first person in charge inspecting was SI Hem Chand. He was in charge upto 28.11.84. I do not know if Hem Chand had arrested 6 persons in connection with that incident. I do not remember if S.I. Hem Chand had prepared the site plan. It is true that the person who was handed over as Inspecting Officer was Jai Singh.

I do not know if Inspector Jai Singh had arrested three more persons as accused in that case. I do not remember that Inspector Jai Singh was in charge til February, 1985. It is true that 14 persons were named during the investigation made by the previous Inspecting Officer. I had completed the investigation and handed over all the papers of investigation to the SHO.

I do not remember how many statements are recorded during the investigation done by me. I do not remember if anybody was arrested by the time investigation was handed over to me. It is incorrect to suggest that I am deposing falsely before this Commission.

No Cross examination by K.K. Sud, ASG on behalf of Central Government

Read over and found correct.

(Harbans Singh) (G.T. Nanavati)

29th August, 2001

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