Investigation agency files application to protect identity of witnesses in Samjhauta case

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday moved a special court here seeking to protect identities of the prosecution witnesses of the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast to ensure their safety.

The NIA court, while slating January 15 for hearing the NIA plea, also extended the judicial remand of Aseemanand.

The court heard the arguments of the prosecution and the defence in an in-camera proceedings here, NIA Prosecutor R K Handa told PTI outside the court.

He said that the NIA has filed the application requesting that the identity and addresses of the witnesses be kept as secret in order to ensure their security as provided in the NIA Act and the Unlawful Activities Act.

The defence filed an application seeking copies of the statements of the witnesses recorded in connection with the case. The arguments on the application were concluded today and listed for January 15.

The blast in the Delhi Attari Samjhauta Express train near Diwana railway station in Panipat district had left 68 people dead in February 2007.