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11/7 train bombings: 11 accused plead innocence

July 18, 2012 20:26 IST
Eleven out of thirteen accused, arrested so far in the July 2006 serial train blasts that killed 188 people, on Wednesday submitted their written statements before the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act court claiming they have been falsely implicated in the case.

"Eleven accused have filed their statements in the court claiming their innocence and explained how their confession was concocted and fabricated," said defence lawyer Khan Abdul Wahab.

While one of the two accused, Kamal Ansari, who have not filed the statement today, will give his submission orally, another accused Faisal will submit it later.

The court is in the process of recording the statements of the accused under section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code which implies that the accused be given an opportunity to explain the circumstances and the allegations levelled against him.

188 people were killed and over 800 were injured when serial explosions ripped apart the First Class compartments of Mumbai's suburban trains on July 11, 2006.

The blasts took place between Khar Road and Santacruz, Bandra and Khar Road, Jogeshwari and Mahim Junction, Mira Road and Bhayander, Matunga and Mahim Junction, and Borivili.

While the Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested 13 accused, suspected to be the members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India, 15 people, including Lashlar-e-Tayiba commander-in-chief Azam Chima, are absconding.

The examination of witnesses resumed after a span of two years as the Supreme Court had stayed the trial in 2008. The apex court vacated the stay on April 23, 2010.

Before the stay, the prosecution had already examined a police officer.

 

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