Court rejects defence counsel A Rehman's demand for names, addresses of witnesses
Court rejects defence counsel A Rehman's demand for names, addresses of witnesses
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The application filed by Himayat Baig's defence counsel Abdul Rehman requesting to furnish the names and addresses of the witnesses in the German Bakery blast case was rejected by Special Judge Usha Thakare yesterday.
Baig is the only suspect arrested till date in the German Bakery blast case. The case hearing is going on in a special court here. Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinod Satav of ATS handed over a copy of the Al-Noor guest house in Mumbai to Rahman.
About the visit to the German Bakery and Central Mall under section 310 of CrPC, the judge ordered that it is not required at this stage. It will consider this plea after framing charges and recording the evidence.
The arguments
Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Raja Thakare had opposed the application citing special provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 (amended in 2008). In his reply, Raja said, "A part of the conspiracy meeting was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and other places in the state but the bomb blast took place in Pune. The case has international links and six more accused in the case are still absconding."
Rahman argued that there was no threat to the witnesses and the panchas as they do not belong to Pune and the accused is lodged in the jail.
The judge upheld Raja's argument and ordered that in view of the provisions of the UAPA, the names of the witnesses and panchas will be disclosed at an appropriate time during the trial.
Can inspect footage
Citing section 46 of the UAPA, Advocate Rehman had also asked for a copy of CCTV footage of German Bakery and Hotel O, video cassettes and other electronic evidence.
SPP Raja said that section 46 of UAPA is applicable only for interception of telephone and wireless conversation. "As per section 207 of the CrPC, the accused or his pleader can inspect the documents.
Therefore, we are ready to allow Rahman along with his juniors to inspect the CCTV footage at the ATS office," said Thakare.
Special Judge Usha Thakare then permitted Rehman to visit the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) office in co-ordination of the investigating officer and inspect the CCTV footage of German Bakery and O Hotel.
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u00a0
The application filed by Himayat Baig's defence counsel Abdul Rehman requesting to furnish the names and addresses of the witnesses in the German Bakery blast case was rejected by Special Judge Usha Thakare yesterday.
Baig is the only suspect arrested till date in the German Bakery blast case. The case hearing is going on in a special court here. Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinod Satav of ATS handed over a copy of the Al-Noor guest house in Mumbai to Rahman.
About the visit to the German Bakery and Central Mall under section 310 of CrPC, the judge ordered that it is not required at this stage. It will consider this plea after framing charges and recording the evidence.
The arguments
Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Raja Thakare had opposed the application citing special provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 (amended in 2008). In his reply, Raja said, "A part of the conspiracy meeting was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and other places in the state but the bomb blast took place in Pune. The case has international links and six more accused in the case are still absconding."
Rahman argued that there was no threat to the witnesses and the panchas as they do not belong to Pune and the accused is lodged in the jail.
The judge upheld Raja's argument and ordered that in view of the provisions of the UAPA, the names of the witnesses and panchas will be disclosed at an appropriate time during the trial.
Can inspect footage
Citing section 46 of the UAPA, Advocate Rehman had also asked for a copy of CCTV footage of German Bakery and Hotel O, video cassettes and other electronic evidence.
SPP Raja said that section 46 of UAPA is applicable only for interception of telephone and wireless conversation. "As per section 207 of the CrPC, the accused or his pleader can inspect the documents.
Therefore, we are ready to allow Rahman along with his juniors to inspect the CCTV footage at the ATS office," said Thakare.
Special Judge Usha Thakare then permitted Rehman to visit the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) office in co-ordination of the investigating officer and inspect the CCTV footage of German Bakery and O Hotel.
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