Shramjivi Express blast case hearing posted for Apr 4

Jaunpur, Apr 2 (UNI) A local court today fixed the next hearing in the Patna-New Delhi Shramjivi Express blast case for April 4.

The bomb blast on July 28, 2005 near Singramau railway station here had killed 14 passengers and wounded 90 others.

All three prime accused Obaid-ur-Rehman, Hilal-ud-din and Nafikul were produced before the additional district and sessions judge (III) Rajendra Chandra under tight security, who extended their judicial custody till the next date of hearing.

Meanwhile, two police constables, who are witnesses number 18 and 19, failed to appear before the court. On April 4, witness number 20 and 21 have been summoned.

On July 24, 2006, the court had fixed charges under CrPC sections 148, 307, 302 and 120 B, Explosive Substance Act section 3/4, Railway Act section 150, 151 and Foreigners Act section 14.

Two other accused Mohd Sharif alias Sirajuddin of Bangladesh and Mohd Roni are absconding, while another Dr Sayeed is yet to be traced.

Another accused Ghulam Rajdani alias Pahiya was eliminated in a police encounter.

In May 2006, Hilal-ud-din and Nafikul were brought from Cherallapalli Central Jail, Andhra Pradesh under a warrant, while Obaid-ur-Rehman, a Bangladeshi, was brought here from Murshidabad, West Bengal.

There are a total of 48 witnesses in the case, of which 17 have recorded their testimony.

UNI