"Delay On The Go Vernment's Part Was Deliberate"

You are being criticised for the inordinate delay in the completion of the probe into the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. How do you justify the delay?

There has been no delay on the part of the commission. Initially, the Central government objected to the commission inquiring into the areas where the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had investigated. Then the government took adjournment after adjournment when records of various departments/agencies were required. There was delay on their part and that was all deliberate.

What do you think could be the purpose of these delaying tactics?

I can't say. But on account of this delay, evidence could not be recorded. Then the government moved the Supreme Court seeking to minimise the scope of the terms of reference of the commission. I can say no such objection should have been raised because the commission was created by the government itself and it could have restricted my scope.

Are you getting enough support from the United Front Government?

I am still waiting for some documents. I am examining certain persons in-camera.

Having spent five-and-a-half years, are you now in a position to say that there was a larger conspiracy?

I would not let you know this. I am a commission. As a citizen I can talk about anything with you. But my position is different. My mind is closed at this stage. I can't open my mouth as to whom I am examining, what material and what documents have come to the commission.

What would the LTTE have gained by assassinating Rajiv Gandhi?

This is a question lurking in the minds of all Indian citizens. Maybe, because the policies Rajiv Gandhi was pursuing were opposed to the Eelam.

Did the LTTE take the help of any other international agency?

You have come to the same question again. If an answer to this question is given, what will it mean? That there was a larger international conspiracy.