This refers to the editorial, “Justice delayed, denied” (March 25). Your observation on the acquittal of all the accused in the Hashimpura massacre is on the mark. The verdict and the sloppy investigation that preceded it has shocked everyone, not to mention the families of the victims who had, all this long, been running from pillar to post, looking for justice. In fact, among other factors, the delay in administration of justice stemming from the pathetic approach of the law-enforcing agencies and improper presentation of the case by the prosecution, are the main reasons for the injustice.
The appalling delay in the Hashimpura case has seen a number of changes in the circumstances from the very inception — new judges, prosecutors, investigating as well as law-enforcing officials, and the demise of several eye-witnesses. I subscribe to your point that successive political regimes, both at the Centre as well as in Uttar Pradesh, did precious little to pursue the case with due diligence.