Ahmedabad: In the case of the Ahmedabad bomb blasts in Gujarat, the court relied on circumstantial evidence. Defendants had no eyewitnesses to the bombing. But it was crucial that there were witnesses to their other actions and that the prosecution was able to track them down. The special court sentenced 38 people, including Malayalees, to death and 11 to life imprisonment.
The bomber struck shortly following noon in front of a police station in Gujarat, killing at least 56 people. Although this was not witnessed, there is evidence that the accused lived at a fake address and bought explosives. Phone numbers used and not used until the time of the blast, stolen vehicles, fake SIM cards and LPG for the blast. Cylinders etc. might be proved with the help of witnesses. The statement of an apologist was very helpful.
The court also accepted the affidavit of Tanveer Sheikh, the accused, who was present at the Vagamon camp, before the magistrate. Sheikh had said that SIMI leader Zafdar Nagori had announced here that Modi and others should be assassinated. He later withdrew his statement but the court proved it.
In a total of 7025 pages of judgment, Judge A.R. There are references to Patel. The court ruled that Muslim organizations that believe in the Qur’an should spread the true meaning of jihad. The court distinguished between jihad and terrorism using Qur’anic verses. Defendants who have no remorse for the deaths of innocents do not even deserve to come into the shadow of society. Those who engage in anti-national activities should not even be imprisoned – the judge pointed out in the verdict that most people in the country are sentenced to death.
Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, said he would approach the high courts once morest the trial court’s verdict. ‘The verdict is unbelievable. Efforts will be made to secure their release with the help of talented lawyers in the country. The Supreme Court has earlier acquitted those sentenced to death in the Akshardham attack case, ‘he said.
