Uphaar tragedy: Judgements like this will increase crimes, says Neelam Katara

New Delhi, Aug. 19 : Neelam Katara on Wednesday criticized the judgment of the Supreme Court with regard to the Uphaar tragedy, saying this will lead to more crimes being committed.

“It’s a sad day for this country because judgments like this may lead to an enhancement of crime,” said Neelam after the apex court asked the Ansal brothers to pay a fine of Rs. 60 crores within three months.

“Supreme Court had recently said that if you are rich in this country, that doesn’t mean that you can commit crime,” she added.

Criticizing the judiciary for considering the mercy petition of the guilty over the mercy of victims, Neelam said “They talk of mercy for guilty, what about the mercy for the victims. In this country, only the criminals seem to have human rights, this will lead to dehumanising the victims.”

The Supreme Court on Wednesday let off Ansal brothers in connection with their role in the Uphaar fire tragedy case, but asked them to pay a fine of Rs. 60 crores.

The ruling means that there will not be any jail term for Gopal and Sushil Ansal.

The court has ordered the fine to be paid within three months.

On June 13, 1997, 59 people were killed when the Uphaar Cinema exploded in flames during a movie, leading to a stampede. (ANI)