Muslim Fundamentalists send threat letter to HC Judge

Chennai, Nov 12 (UNI) Madras High Court Judge Justice K Chokalingam has received a threat letter allegedly from Muslim Fundamentalists warning him against hearing the appeal in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blast cases.

After the trial court in Coimbatore convicted Al-Umma Chief S A Basha and others in connection with the blasts case, the accused preferred an appeal in the Madras High Court.

When the case came up for hearing, Justice Chokalingam told the open court that he had received an anonymous telegram threatening him with dire consequences if he heard the appeal petitions.

The letter said the Judge was an Hindu Chauvinist and that he should not hear the case.

Disclosing this, the Judge referred the case to Chief Justice A K Ganguly to be posted before some other Judge.

The Judge told the Counsel for the accused that they could have themeselves told him that he need not hear the case instead of sending such telegrams.

UNI XR-WS-GV VV RP BD1745