Marking a small step forward in the long-delayed trial into the killings of 40 Muslims at Hashimpura in 1987, a trial court here has finally framed charges against 17 policemen.

The court of Additional Sessions Judge N P Kaushik framed charges of murder, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, abduction, unlawful confinement, assault and unlawful compulsory labour against the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) men charged with killing the Muslims during curfew in Meerut on May 22, 1987. The charges have been framed after the process of initiating trial proceedings was repeatedly delayed over the years.

According to the prosecution, 19 PAC personnel picked up the victims, along with several others, during curfew hours in Hashimpura, kept them confined, and later shot them. The 41 bodies were allegedly dumped in the Upper Ganga canal, where they were eventually found floating in Murad Nagar. According to witnesses, two of the 43 men escaped alive.

After the brutal incident came to light, there were calls from several quarters to take immediate action against the accused.

An inquiry ordered by the UP government, whose findings were brought out in February 1994, indicted as many as 666 PAC personnel in various misdeeds in Meerut during that period.

Three years later, following the testimony of those who had witnessed the arrests, the Ghaziabad Chief Judicial Magistrate issued bailable warrants against the accused for not appearing in the case. Later, 23 non-bailable warrants were issued between 1997 and 2000.

Finally, in May and June 2000, the PAC personnel surrendered, and were granted bail.

... contd.