7/11 blasts trial to commence from Dec 18

Mumbai, Dec 16: The trial proceedings into last year's 7/11 serial train blasts case, against 13 accused, is likely to commence in a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court here from December 18.

In the bomb blasts that occurred on seven suburban trains of the Western Railway, 186 people were killed and at least 800 people injured. Prosecution has filed a chargesheet against 28 people, including 15 absconding accused, who are believed to have fled to Pakistan. The remaining 13 will face the trial.

The trial proceeding was delayed following several applications moved by accused, including the one seeking transfer of MCOCA Judge M R Bhatkar, who is presiding over trial of the case, as they do not have trust in his court. However, their transfer application was rejected by the Bombay High Court.

The special court had earlier fixed December 18 as the date for commencement of trial.

UNI