New Delhi, 05 January (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on Vikas Yadav’s plea seeking a three-week furlough in connection with the Nitish Katara murder case. A bench headed by Justice Ravindra Duddheja reserved its order after hearing arguments from both sides.

During the hearing, Nitish Katara’s family’s counsel, Sanchar Anand, opposed the plea, stating that releasing Vikas Yadav on furlough could jeopardize witness security. In response, Vikas Yadav’s lawyer, Vikas Pahwa, argued that witnesses are provided round-the-clock protection by 20 security personnel.

Vikas Yadav had earlier requested the Inspector General of Tihar Jail for a three-week furlough, but the jail administration rejected his application, citing the seriousness of the crime and the opposition raised by the victim’s family.

The jail authorities dismissed his plea, considering the gravity of the offense and concerns about the safety of the victim’s family.Vikas Yadav challenged the jail administration’s order in the High Court, arguing that he has already spent over 23 years in custody out of his 25-year sentence.

He further stated that he was previously granted interim bail for four months to care for his mother and for his marriage, and that he did not violate any bail conditions during that period.

It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court reduced Vikas Yadav’s sentence to 25 years on October 3, 2016.Vikas Yadav is the son of Uttar Pradesh strongman DP Yadav. Nitish Katara was murdered on February 17, 2002. The victim had a romantic relationship with Vikas Yadav’s sister, Bharti Yadav, which was not approved by the Yadav family.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar