HC grants bail to tripple blast accused Paanwala

Mumbai, Jan 19 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today granted bail to Arif Hasan Shaikh alias Paanwala, allegedly involved in the triple blasts at Mulund, Vile Parle and Bombay Central here between December 2002 and March 2003.

Allowing the interim-bail application on personal bond of Rs one lakh and two sureties of Rs 50,000 each, a Division Bench comprising Justices J N Patel and R S Mohite observed that there was public outcry when the court acquitted an accused but ''what could the judges do if there was no evidence to hold them back?'', they added.

During the hearing on the bail application, the prosecution told the court that Paanwala was co-conspirator in the triple blasts.

Defence counsel Baba Chitnis today submitted, ''As the chargesheet stands, there is nothing on record to frame charges against my client.'' There was no material evidence against his client who was being implicated in the matter on the statement of a co-accused and about some telephone calls, made from his 'paanshop'. This was inadmissible as evidence, the defence counsel added.

Opposing the bail, public prosecutor Satish Borulkar contended that the statement of the co-accused can not be ignored completely as it does shed some light on the role of Paanwala in the conspiracy. He cited cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu's case in support of his contention.

The public prosecutor told the court that the Paanwala may abscond if released on bail as he is involved in such a serious case.

Also, it was difficult for the investigating agency to gather evidence while key accused for making and planting the bomb, one Janab Paloba, was absconding. Mr Borulkar told the judges that the special court was considering whatever material was available so that he could be tried along with the others.

However, the court held that there was no material to support the statement of the co-accused or any other evidence to keep Paanwala in custody.

UNI