Advani calls for speedy investigation into 7/11 blasts

Mumbai, June 9 (UNI) Demanding expeditious conclusion of investigation into the 7/11 serial train blasts, senior BJP leader L K Advani today said the Union Government, Railways and the Maharshtra government should take necessary steps to fulfill the relief and rehabilitation commitments to the surviving victims.

''I am deeply distressed to learn that the relief and rehabilitation of the suviving victims and their families has still not been completed, even though 11 months have passed since the terrorist attack took place,'' he told reporters after visiting the two surviving victims at Hinduja and Jaslok Hospital here.

The leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha said it was a matter of considerable concern that the Union Government and the Congress-NCP coalition in Maharashtra had shown ''extreme lethargy and casualness'' in investigating the crime.

''I am told some 14 accused have been arrested, while 13 others are still on the run. I demand expeditious conclusion of the investigation in the case, and speedy justice to the victims,'' he added.

The serial train blasts, which took place in rapid succession in Western railway suburban trains on July 11 last year, had left 187 persons dead, besides injuring 890 others. More than 100 injured are still battling for life at various government and private hospitals.

They include two victims, Parag Sawant and Amit Singh, who are still in coma at Mumbai's Hinduja and Jaslok Hospital.

Referring to the assurances given by Prime Minister Mr Manmohan Singh in response to his letter on August 30 last year, Mr Advani said he hoped the Prime Minister will fufill his commitment before July 11. ''I will be writing to the Prime Minister once again in this regard,'' Mr Advani said.

The BJP leader said the two victims in coma be given the best possible treatment and the Government must do whatever is possible for their treatment.

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