NEWSLINKS US EDITION COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
"It was a conspiracy... and gunning down of King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya along with other members of the royal family was the handiwork of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and Pak-sponsored militants," Thackeray said in an interview to the party mouthpiece Dopahar Ka Saamna in Bombay.
"I do not think crown prince Dipendra was involved in the killings," the Sena chief told party parliamentarian Sanjay Nirupam, who is also the newspaper's editor.
"According to information received by me, a party was going on in the palace when some terrorists opened fired at them indiscriminately, killing the king and other members of the royal family," Thackeray was quoted as saying in a front-page report in the Hindi eveninger.
Giving a clean chit to Dipendra, accused of gunning down the royal family members, the Sena chief said, "I do not think he (Dipendra) was involved in it. A bullet wound on his back does not support the theory of the prince committing suicide."
Thackeray said recent developments in Nepal clearly indicated that the ISI had made its base in the 'Hindu nation'.
He pointed out to the controversy in Nepal over comments attributed to Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft to strengthen his claim.
India should make all efforts to restore peace in the neighbouring Himalayan kingdom, Thackeray said, adding, "If necessary, we must provide them military assistance."
He also paid rich tributes to the members of the royal family, who were killed in the firing last week.
Death of a Monarch: The Complete Coverage
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
