Delhi cop's kin hope for justice in Batla House case

Five years after the Batla House shootout of 2008 killed Delhi Police Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma, his family Wednesday demanded punishment for the culprits as the verdict in the case is expected Thursday.

Sharma's 76-year-old mother, Devinder Devi told IANS that those responsible for the death of her son should not be allowed to get away.

"I don't know who killed my son. But I never forget his martyrdom," Devi told IANS.

Sharma, who had won seven gallantry medals, including a President's Medal, was gunned down during the Batla House encounter at Jamia Nagar Sep 19, 2008, seven days after serial blasts rocked the national capital. It was suspected that members of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) were hiding in a house in the area.

Sharma is survived by his parents, wife and two children.

He joined Delhi Police as a sub-inspector in 1989 and was instrumental in the killing of 35 terrorists and the arrest of another 80 militants, a Delhi Police officer said.

A Delhi court will pronounce its verdict July 25 in the controversial Batla House shootout case. A lone suspect in the case, Shahzad Ahmad, reportedly a member of the Indian Mujahideen, has been facing trial for killing Sharma.