Washington: A US based Sikh group has lodged a criminal complaint against Indian film star Amitabh Bachchan in Australia for his alleged role in November 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
The criminal complaint against Bachchan has been lodged with Australia’s Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), the US based human rights organisation announced Tuesday.
In the complaint on behalf of widows, victims, and survivors of November 1984 anti-Sikh attacks, SFJ has been joined by National 1984 Victims Justice and Welfare Society and All India Sikh Students Federation.
Bachchan is currently in Australia to receive an honorary degree from Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. He is also shooting for the Hollywood film The Great Gatsby co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio in Australia.
Australia’s Criminal Code Act 1995 gives Australian courts jurisdiction in cases involving crimes against humanity whether or not the offence was committed in Australia, said SFJ legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Under this Act, the mere presence of a foreigner in Australia is sufficient basis for jurisdiction over acts of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed abroad, Pannun said. (IANS)