Fresh evidence says Sarabjit is innocent: Pakistani lawyer

CHANDIGARH - A new mercy petition for Sarabjit Singh - the Indian who is on death row in Pakistan - has been sent to the president of that country, says his Pakistani lawyer who also claims to have submitted fresh evidence to prove it is a case of mistaken identity.

Sheikh, who is handling the case of Sarabjit - convicted of bombings in Pakistan and lodged in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore - Monday said he was very optimistic about his release.

Sarabjit’s family claims he had crossed into Pakistan inadvertently in August 1990 in an inebriated state and was arrested there. But police in Pakistan claim Sarabjit Singh, who is known as Manjit Singh there, was involved in acts of terrorism.

“This is a case of mistaken identity. I have collected many proofs against the actual accused, Manjit Singh, and submitted them in Pakistan’s Supreme Court,” Sheikh told reporters here Monday.

“I have also submitted a fresh mercy petition, seeking the acquittal of Sarabjit or the conversion of his death sentence to life imprisonment, to the president.”

Talking about the proof he had gathered, Sheikh said: “Manjit travelled to Pakistan in the guise of a journalist and had links with terrorist outfits. He was also arrested by Canadian police and had spent three years in jail there. Later he changed his religion and married a Pakistani woman.”

Sheikh said he was also writing a book tentatively named, “Sarabjit - A Case of Mistaken Identity”.

“My book will be published and released in India in the next four months. It will tell the arduous journey of Sarabjit in Pakistan jails and unfold all details and proofs I have collected. Sarabjit has given me in writing his views, personal letters and experiences that I would publish in this book,” said Sheikh.

Sheikh, who was accompanied by Sarbjit’s sister Dalbir Kaur, also met Punjab Congress president and former chief minister Amarinder Singh here Monday.

He gave Amarinder a momento and a beaded necklace, which Sarabjit had made for Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

“Sarabjit had made these while working in the jail. I have also brought a heavy paranda (colourful Punjabi hair accessory) that Sarabjit had made for his daughter, Samanpreet, who got married recently,” stated Sheikh.

“He has also sent written messages for Sonia Gandhi, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and (BJP leader L.K.) Advani. We want Amarinder Singh to take our message to the high command of the Indian government so that they intervene in this issue with the Pakistan government,” he pointed out.

Sarabjit, who has been languishing in Pakistan jails for more than 19 years, has been convicted of staging four bomb blasts in Lahore and Multan in 1990 that claimed 14 lives.

Amarinder Singh assured Sheikh and Dalbir Kaur all possible help.

“I will take up this issue with the prime minister. We will do our best in this matter,” said Amarinder here Monday.