Mumbai court restrains media over CCTV coverage of blasts

A local metropolitan magistrate's court today restrained media from either publishing or telecasting news related to the CCTV coverage of the July 13 triple blasts.

Magistrate NJ Shende in his order observed, "If identity of the witnesses is disclosed to public at large, it may hamper the smooth investigation of the case and may cause threat to such persons."

"I am of the opinion in view of the provisions enumerated under Section 44 (of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) in order to safeguard the life of the people and witnesses, the application is allowed," said Shende.

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad had moved the local court saying the media telecast/publish news pertaining to the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and suspected persons.

ATS pleaded that such coverage might hamper the course of investigation and may disclose the identity of important witnesses.

20 people were killed and over 130 were injured in three blasts at Zaveri Bazar, Opera House and Dadar on July 13.