Surjit Singh Chhokar case: Family to meet Lord Advocate in bid for new investigation

Surjit Singh Chhokar was stabbed in 1998 at the home he shared with his girlfriend in Overtown.

But authorities failed to secure a conviction despite three men being arrested and two trials, leading some to compare the case to that of Stephen Lawrence.

Now the waiter’s family are to meet the Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland to seek a fresh investigation over the murder.

Reform of Scotland’s centuries-old double jeopardy law, which came into force at the end of last year, means the men originally accused of the murder could face a retrial.

The Crown Office said that Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland and Solicitor General Lesley Thomson will meet the family.

A spokesman said: “The Lord Advocate has spoken with Aamer Anwar, the family’s solicitor, and confirmed that the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General would be pleased to meet with the family.

“Arrangements are now being put in place.”

The Crown Office said it was too early to speculate how any particular case might be dealt with under the reformed double jeopardy law.

Mr Chhokar’s sister Manjit Sangha told the Sunday Herald: “All we want from them is to have a look at the case again, please. And do something for us so my parents can have peace of mind before they die.

“We lost everything on that night when Surjit died.

“Then we had a chance of justice when the three men were charged. But it’s been 13 years. We’re still standing at the same place 13 years on. No justice has been given to us.”

Two official inquiries were ordered in the wake of the original legal episode. One made allegations of “institutional racism”.

Following the publication of the reports in 2001, the then Lord Advocate, Colin Boyd QC, said that the Chhokar family had been failed by the police and prosecution services.

Reform of Scotland’s centuries-old double jeopardy law came into force at the end of last year.

The legislation aims to allow the retrial of people who may have escaped conviction in the past.

Under the reform, the double jeopardy principle which prevents a person being tried twice for the same crime will be enshrined in law but will permit exemptions.