2002 Gujarat riots: SC grants bail to Babu Bajrangi
Considering his, "100 per cent blind" medical report
New Delhi, Mar 8: The Supreme Court has granted bail to former Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, sentenced to 21 years in jail in Naroda Patiya massacre case in which 97 people were killed by a mob during the 2002 Gujarat riots, considering his medical condition as he was "100 per cent blind".
A bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi noted in its order that the state government has verified medical certificates issued to Bajrangi and has said that they were authentic.
Bajrangi's counsel sought bail on medical grounds and told the apex court that Bajrangi is 100 per cent blind and is also suffering from profound hearing loss.
"Taking overall view of the matter, we are inclined to direct release of the applicant, Babubhai alias Babu Bajrangi, on bail to the satisfaction of the trial court and on such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the trial court," the bench said.
The state government had earlier told the apex court that Bajrangi is in "bad shape" due to various ailments and medical reports suggests that he has suffered a hundred per cent vision loss also.
Bajrangi has also challenged the Gujarat High Court's April 20 last year verdict in which his conviction in the case was upheld and the life term awarded to him by the trial court was reduced to 21 years' rigorous imprisonment without remission.
The top court had earlier granted regular bail to four convicts in Naroda Patiya massacre case Umeshbhai Surabhai Bharwad, Rajkumar, Padmendrasinh Jasvantsinh Rajput and Harshad alias Mungda Jila Govind Chhara Parmar.
The Gujarat High Court had on April 20 last year upheld the conviction of 12 out of the 29 accused who were pronounced guilty on various charges by the trial court and had acquitted 17 others, including former Gujarat minister Maya Kodnani.
The rioting had taken place on February 28, 2002, in the Naroda Patiya area of Ahmedabad where a mob had killed 97 people, most of them from a minority community.
The massacre had taken place a day after the torching of the Sabarmati Express at Godhra that left 59 people dead and triggered state-wide riots.
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Police probe antecedents of man who opened fire at Farooq Abdullah
Jammu (PTI): Police have initiated a detailed probe into the antecedents of Kamal Singh Jamwal, the man who allegedly attempted to assassinate former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah at a marriage function here, officials said on Thursday.
Police are examining the 63-year-old Jamwal’s background, including his personal, social and possible organisational links, to ascertain the motive behind the firing incident, they said.
Abdullah, the president of the National Conference, had a narrow escape when the accused allegedly fired at him from behind as he was leaving the marriage function at Greater Kailash on the outskirts of Jammu on Wednesday night.
Security personnel deployed with Abdullah immediately swung into action and thwarted the assassination attempt. A licensed pistol allegedly used in the crime was recovered from Jamwal's possession.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, were also accompanying the NC chief when the incident occurred.
Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, reportedly told police that he had been waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for the last 20 years. Officials said police are also examining his recent activities and movements before the attack.
Senior police officers are currently questioning Jamwal, who told investigators that he earns his livelihood from rent generated by his shops.
Officials said security arrangements at the venue are being reviewed to determine how the accused managed to enter the function with a weapon.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal has condemned the attack on Abdullah, saying "such acts of violence are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic and civilised society."
"Since the accused has been arrested, the authorities must ensure a thorough and transparent investigation so that the complete facts behind the attack come to light and strict action is taken in accordance with the law," Sirwal said.
