CBI authority to probe Ayodhya demolition case, challenged

Rae Bareli, UP, July 12 (UNI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) authority to probe the Ayodhya demolition case was today challeged in the special CBI court here.

Defence counsel Mridul Rakesh submitted an application before the court questioning the CBI authority to probe the case, chargesheet the accused and examine the witnesses.

The CBI had already chargesheeted the eight accused in the case including former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani, senior BJP leaders Murli Manohar Joshi, Vinay Katiyar, VHP leaders Ashok Singhal, Vishnu Hari Dalmia, Acharya Giriraj Kishore, Sadhvi Ritambhara and expelled BJP leader Uma Bharti under various sections, which entail five years imprisonment or fine, or both.

The court has posted the case for next hearing to July 18.

Mr Rakesh had submitted an application saying a related case was to be heard before the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court on July 17.

He prayed that the Rae Bareli court hear the case after the Lucknow hearing.

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