Jyotsana Yagnik to hear Ahmedabad blasts case

The administration of the Gujarat high court has appointed Jyotsana Yagnik, designated judge for the Naroda Patiya riot case, as the special judge for the trial of 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case.

The police have arrested 71 accused in the case and filed charge sheet against 70.

As many as 56 people were killed and 200 injured when serial bomb blasts took place in 21 different areas of the city on July 26, 2008.

After investigation, the police busted the Indian Mujahideen module in the city and arrested all the suspects one by one. The case is at the stage of framing of charges against the accused.

Jyotsana Yagnik is a senior judge who is currently hearing the Naroda Patiya massacre case.

She had also conducted the trial of the sensational Bijal Joshi rape and suicide case besides the ISI conspiracy case lodged under Pota.

Official sources in the high court said Yagnik would take charge with immediate effect.

With her appointment, trial of the case is expected to start at full pace.

The accused of the case have also demanded their trial as early as possible.

In another development, the high court has appointed KB Gujarati, deputy director of the Gujarat state judicial academy, as the special CBI judge.