Advani calls for speedy probe into 7/11 blasts

Mumbai, June 9: 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.

Stating that the countrymen had a right to know who were the culprits behind these blasts, Mr Advani said there should not be repeat of the experience of the March 1993 serial blasts, wherein punishment to the victims was still being pronounced even after a gap of 14-long years. He, however, skirted all other issues including the possible candidature of Union Home Minister Mr Shivraj Patil for the President's post.

''I have come here for a very specific purpose, and I will keep myself confined to that only,'' the former Deputy Prime minister said when prodded for his reaction on Patil's name as successor to Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.

On the question of an Al-Qaeda compact disc, released in Kashmir, in which the global terrorist outfit has allegedly declared war on India, Mr Advani said he would not comment at this juncture.'' Former MP and BJP National Executive member, Kirit Somaiya has brought out a study report on the 7/11 blasts, in which it has been alleged that even after 11 months of the terrorist strike on Mumbai's local trains, some 500 victims are running from pillar to post to recieve financial help, which was announced by the Union Government, Railways and the Maharashtra Government at the time of the tragedy.

According to the report, so far only 754 persons have received compensation from the state government, while another 350 are still awaiting relief. Moreover, while the government had assured the surviving families that it would foot their all medical bills, some 200 victims are taking the treatment at private hospitals on their own.

The study report also says that only 40 percent of the victims/families have been able to file their claims before the Railway Claim Tribunal due to the complex and complicated process of the Railway authorities.

UNI

Related Stories

>