During cross-examination by Special Public Prosecutor Rohini Salian, Thakur denied being related to Subhash Singh or knowing him previously. He said that he is a Rajput, whereas Subhash Singh belonged to another caste. The person he had identified in the parade was lean, whereas Subhash Singh is well-built.

Thakur admitted in reply to a question by Salian that he had resigned from the police force in 1997 as he was unhappy that the force had failed to recognise his services by not giving him the gallantry award and Rs one lakh in cash. Thakur's resignation was rejected. He also admitted that he was not satisfied with the cash prize of Rs 25,000.

PSI Thakur said he was deposing before the court under tremendouspressure, and was undergoing psychiatric treatment. He also admitted to being worried about his family members who live in Uttar Pradesh and expressed the fear that their lives could be threatened. He said he had fired back at the gangsters to save the others, not himself. The two constables who died had done their duty, added Thakur.