2008 Delhi blast: Ample evidence to order prosecution of 13

There was ample evidence for ordering prosecution of 13 accused under anti-terror law for their association with banned Indian Mujahideen terror outfit and role in 2008 Delhi serial blasts, a local court was told today.

Deposing as a prosecution witness, Sub Divisional Magistrate (Civil Lines) Ashish Kumar said "it is incorrect to suggest that the order for the prosecution of the 13 was passed without any material to suggest that accused persons had any link with the terrorist organisation."

Kumar, as Deputy Secretray in the Home Department of Delhi government, was deposing before Additional Sessions Judge Narinder Kumar. He had given the sanction to prosecute the 13 militants as the competent authority to do so.

The SDM also denied the reference to the Lieutenant Governor for sanction was forwarded mechanically without mentioning a specific role of any of the accused.

"There were officers of Law Department and Home Department of Delhi government who also dealt with the file while forwarding the reference to the competent authority (for sanction)," he said.

All the accused are facing trial under various sections of Indian Penal Code including those concerning waging war against the government of India, criminal conspiracy and murder and under various provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

A series of blasts rocked the national capital on September 13, 2008, killing 26 people and injuring 135 others.