NEW DELHI: Describing the verdict in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case as the one awaited for a long time, the Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday said a "good beginning has been made." The agency shall await for the complete judgment to offer its "holistic response."

In a statement here, the CBI said the serial blasts in March 1993 were the most heinous and worst terrorist act till the 9/11 terror attack in New York. The blasts left 257 persons dead and 713 injured and property worth Rs. 27 crore was destroyed. Investigation and prosecution of the cases were "exceptional and unprecedented in terms of complexities and enormity."

On taking over the investigation from the police, the CBI collected additional evidence and filed 19 supplementary reports. In all 18 additional accused were identified by the CBI. The agency arrested 26 accused, of whom 21 were absconders. It also managed to get Abu Salem extradited from Portugal.

Out of more than 3,500 witnesses cited in the police charge sheet, the CBI pruned the list and got 684 witnesses, essential to prove all the charges, examined. Had all the witnesses been examined, the trial could have taken several years for completion. The trial against 123 accused persons was completed on September 19, 2003.

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