A number of witnesses and accused in the case, where bombs went off at the city railway station and Varachha Road during the communal riots of 1993, were questioned by designated Judge Girish Upadhyay. A child had died and 13 people had been injured in the incident.

Apart from the advocates of the accused and the special prosecutor, no other person was allowed into the courtroom located on the first floor of the district and sessions court here in the city. Even Zulekha, Surti's daughter, was not allowed to enter the room.

The Umra police, as well as those of the special branch, who were engaged in the security said that while the police had asked for a different place to hold the trial, it was held at the district court after the advocates of the accused declined to conduct the trial at any other place.

Advocates of the accused, including Miyan Malek, Vasant Surti, Mukund Nayak, B B Biscuitwala and Farid Mastan, declined to give any details to reporters about the progress of the case as per the instructions of the TADA court.

Sources, however, said that about 10 witnesses of the 176 named in the sensational case would be quizzed during the hearing, that is likely to be conducted until Saturday, although they were not sure how long the hearing would continue. Special public prosecutor Mukund Joshi is representing the government's side.

Coming out of the first days proceedings on Wednesday evening, Judge Giriraj Upadhyay declined to give any information on the proceedings and only said that ``a few witnesses had been questioned''. He added that a written order had been issued to counsel of both sides as to not provide any information regarding the case.