The Hindu : National : `Advani had knowledge of Babri demolition'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 16, 2004

National

National

`Advani had knowledge of Babri demolition'

LUCKNOW, DEC. 15. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today told the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court that the BJP president, L. K. Advani, had prior knowledge that the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was going to be demolished.

During the hearing of the CBI petition challenging the special Rae Bareli court order discharging Mr. Advani and summoning orders against six others — including the former Union Minister, Murli Manohar Joshi — in the Babri Masjid demolition case, the CBI counsel, P. K. Chaubey, said Mr. Advani knew very well the disputed structure was going to be demolished.

As the counsel's arguments remained inconclusive, Justice Y.R. Tripathi posted the matter for further hearing on December 21 next. Mr. Chaubey read out in the court the statement of the then Additional Superintendent of Police (Faizabad), Anju Gupta, who escorted Mr. Advani on December 6, 1992 when the structure was demolished at Ayodhya.

Mr. Chaubey said the statements clearly indicated that Mr. Advani knew what was happening inside the disputed complex and had also queried the officer about the happenings.

The first dome was demolished between 1345 to 1415 hours, while the second and the third domes were brought down around 1530 and 1700 hours respectively, he said. — PTI

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