Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) A trial court Friday framed charges against all 13 accused in the 2008 Delhi serial blasts case.

Additional Sessions Judge Santosh Snehi Mann ordered framing of the charges against all the accused who are suspected to be members of the outlawed Indian Mujahideen terror outfit.

Of the 13 accused, 11 who were lodged in the Sabarmati Jail in Ahemdabad were brought to the court Friday after the court asked them to appear in person. The other two were brought from Tihar Jail.

“All the accused are charged for offences punishable under sections 121A/121 (waging war against the nation), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 427 (mischief causing damage) read with 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) and various sections of the Explosive Substances Act, the Information Technology Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,” the court said.

Charges were framed against Mohammed Shakeel, Mohammed Saif, Zeeshan Ahmed, Zia-ur-Rehaman, Saquib Nisar, Mohammed Sadique, Kayamuddin Kapadia, Mohammed Hakim, Mohammed Mansoor Ashgar Peerbhoy, Mubin Kadar Sheikh, Asif Bashiruddin, Mohammed Akbar Ismail Chaudhary and Shahzad Ahmed.

All accused pleaded not guilty and opted for trial, defence counsel M.S. Khan said.

Four blasts at Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Greater Kailash shook Delhi Sep 13, 2008, within a span of 31 minutes, killing 26 people and injuring 135 others.

Five cases were registered in connection with the serial blasts at Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh, Barakhamba Road in Connaught Place, M-Block Market in Greater Kailash and recovery of a bomb near India Gate.

All the five cases were clubbed by the court for the purpose of framing of charges and trial, saying that “they arise from the series of same transaction”.