Afzal's family writes to Tihar authorities for his body

Afzal Guru's family on Tuesday formally approached Tihar Jail authorities demanding handing over his body to them so that it can be taken to Kashmir.

Afzal Guru's family on Tuesday formally approached Tihar Jail authorities demanding handing over his body to them so that it can be taken to Kashmir.

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Guru's lawyers N D Pancholi and Nandita Haksar, on behalf of the family, sent a letter to Tihar Director General Vimla Mehra also conveying that they would like to offer prayers at his grave when they come to Delhi.

"They (the family) would like to be able to offer prayers at Afzal's grave when they come. They have requested that you initiate the procedures on their behalf for taking his body back to Kashmir," the letter said.

Slamming the prison authorities for "leaking" information about Guru's belongings, the lawyers said the family wanted them to take possession of the belongings.

"They would like that you keep Afzal's belongings in a safe place after making an inventory which should be handed over to Afzal's lawyers," the letter said.

The lawyers said the family was "disturbed" over not getting any response from the jail authorities towards their
demand to offer prayer at Guru's grave.

Home Secretary R K Singh today said the family will be allowed to visit his grave for prayer inside the Tihar jail complex.

Asked about demand of the family, a top official in Tihar jail said as per norms the family will have to approach the authorities either to offer prayer at Guru's grave or to get possession of his belongings.

"The request should come from the family members as per rules. So far we have not received any communication from the family," said the official.

Afzal was hanged last week for his role in 2001 Parliament attack and his body burying on Tihar jail premises.