Ahmedabad blasts accused ‘regrets shattering lives’

Razik said the same in Metropolitan Court No. 11, hearing the blasts case, when he was produced at the end of his police custody.

When Razik’s turn came to be identified before the Metropolitan Magistrate, he startled everyone by saying: “I regret that what I have done has shattered so many lives.”

In a soft and occasionally faltering voice, he added: “I was brainwashed into doing this heinous act by Tauqeer. He told me that I must do something to avenge what had happened to Muslims in the riots and killings of 2002.” Abdul Subhan alias Tauqeer, an alleged key conspirator in the blasts, is still absconding.

Razik denied that he was under any pressure from the police. “I have not been asked to say anything by the police. Yeh meri aatma ki awaaz hai (It’s the call of my conscience)… I hope after listening to me, no other Muslim young man will be misled by anyone to do what I have done.”

Razik, who was arrested by the DCB on October 24 from Nagda, Madhya Pradesh, is said to be one of the key members involved in the blast that occurred near the Trauma Centre of Civil Hospital. According to DCB officials, Razik helped buy the cycles used in planting the bombs, the LPG cylinder used in the Civil Hospital blast and also arranged an house in Vatva where many meetings of the blast accused were held.

Contrary to their image, Razik told the court on Tuesday, the police had been very good to the blast accused. “Generally among the Muslims there is a perception that the police are against them. But I can say that this is not true. They have behaved very nicely with me… ,” Razik said.

However, defence lawyers contended that Razik’s statement was part of a ploy by the police to strengthen its defence against possible torture allegations. A lawyer who did not wish to be named said: “Have you ever heard of an accused praising the police?”