Day 6 of Pritam Singh’s trial reveals conflicting testimonies.
On the sixth day of Pritam Singh’s trial, former Workers’ Party (WP) cadre Yudhishthra Nathan was cross-examined regarding his role in the fallout from Raeesah Khan’s falsehood in Parliament. Singh, Leader of the Opposition, faces charges over alleged lies given to a parliamentary committee in 2021.
Raeesah Khan had claimed in Parliament that she accompanied a sexual assault victim to a police station where the victim faced insensitive treatment. She repeated this claim before confessing to fabricating it months later.
Key Points from the Trial
Nathan’s Suggestion to Maintain the Lie
Nathan admitted he initially believed that Khan should “actively maintain the lie” during a meeting on October 12, 2021. However, he testified that this was due to concern over a lack of a clear party strategy for her confession.
Contradictory Testimony
During cross-examination, Nathan struggled to recall whether he suggested Khan maintain the lie or if he conveyed this to Singh. He apologized for inconsistencies in his statements, admitting difficulty remembering details.
WhatsApp Messages and Police Investigation
The court reviewed Nathan’s WhatsApp message recommending Khan clarify only the victim’s age rather than the entire fabricated story. Nathan admitted awareness of impending police investigations at the time but claimed uncertainty about party pressure on Khan to participate.
Political Consequences
Nathan believed it would be “political suicide” for Khan to admit her lie in Parliament without providing context about her being a victim of sexual assault.
Defense Counsel’s Questions
Singh’s lawyer, Andre Jumabhoy, pressed Nathan on his fluctuating recollections, challenging his certainty about past statements. Despite inconsistencies, Nathan maintained that he did not advise Singh to support the lie.
This trial underscores the complexities of political accountability and the challenges of testimony in high-profile cases. Singh’s legal team continues to scrutinize the evidence and testimony presented.
