‘Fly 2008 blasts accused to Delhi from Ahmedabad’

With a key witness in the 2008 Delhi serial blasts failing to identify the accused via video conference, the prosecution has filed an application asking that the six accused, currently lodged in Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad, be brought to Delhi so that the witness could identify them.

The court of Additional Sessions Judge Narinder Kumar has sought a reply by November 7 from defence lawyers on the application filed by the prosecution.

During examination in the court on October 17, Moolchand, the driver of an autorickshaw that was used by one of the alleged bombers to travel to Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh, was unable to identify the accused on the screen though they were shown to him individually as well as in a group via video conference. He told the court that he would be able to identify the accused if they were brought before him.

"The witness had seen all six accused on video conferencing but he could not identify and he submitted that he wants to see them in person so that he can identify them," the prosecution plea states.

Shakeel, one of the accused, allegedly used the autorickshaw driven by Moolchand who failed to identify him.

In his deposition, Moolchand told the court that on September 13, 2008, he was waiting for passengers on Mathura Road around 5.30 pm when a youth came up to him and said he had to go to Gaffar Market and then to Patel Nagar.

Moolchand said when they reached Saraswati Marg in Gaffar Market, the youth asked him to stop the autorickshaw and told him he wanted to buy a mobile phone and would return soon. The youth left a bag in the autorickshaw and asked him to keep an eye on it, Moolchand said.

When the youth did not return, Moolchand said he stepped out to look for him and that was when the blast took place in his autorickshaw.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Astronomy buffs geared up for meteor shower

Narendra Modi dials Lalu, enquires about health after car accident

From Ramdev stage in Haridwar, Modi swears by gurus of all hues

PIL puts Tata Motors, state govt in the dock over Nano deal