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Accused seek transfer of case

MUMBAI: Some of the 13 accused in the Mumbai train blasts case that claimed 186 lives, expressed on Monday a lack of trust in the special court of Judge Mrudula Bhatkar set up under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA) and submitted applications urging transfer of the case.

Ms. Justice Bhatkar is now expected to send the applications to the Principal Sessions Judge of Mumbai, Ashok Bhangale, for the necessary orders. Many of the accused also pleaded not guilty and said that they were implicated in the case by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).

The accused were explained the charges against them which are under various sections of the MCOCA, IPC, Railways Act, Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act, Explosives Act and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act for killing, destroying property and hatching a conspiracy.

All the 13 accused were present in the court. Some of the accused interrupted the judge during the explanation and said that they wanted time to discuss the matter with their lawyers. Ms. Justice Bhatkar told them that she would give them time after the framing of charges. She called the accused to the box and asked about the charges. Most of them said that the ATS had falsely implicated them and they had not faith in her court. They wanted the case to be transferred to some other court.

Earlier, the accused had challenged the application of the MCOCA on them arguing that the terrorism was a union subject while the MCOCA was a state law. The matter was settled by the Bombay High Court, which had asked the special court to continue with the matter.

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