HC cancels bail of Mecca Masjid blast accused

Devender Gupta and Lokender Gupta had been granted bail five months ago

April 19, 2013 12:41 am | Updated June 13, 2016 08:21 am IST - HYDERABAD:

Ajmer: Lokesh Sharma, accused in Ajmer blast case, being produced in a court in Ajmer on Saturday. PTI Photo (PTI2_19_2011_000177B)

Ajmer: Lokesh Sharma, accused in Ajmer blast case, being produced in a court in Ajmer on Saturday. PTI Photo (PTI2_19_2011_000177B)

The AP High Court on Thursday cancelled the bail granted by a sessions court to two accused – Devender Gupta and Lokender Gupta -- in the Mecca Masjid bomb blasts case of 2007.

The lower court had granted bail to them five months ago. This grant of bail was challenged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the High Court.

The High Court verdict has come as a relief to the NIA, which opposed the bail on the ground that it could hamper the investigations.

Nine people were killed and over 60 injured in the powerful bomb blast during Friday prayers on May 18, 2007, at the 17th Century mosque.

Sharma and Gupta, former members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), are among six accused arrested by the NIA in the case. Swamy Aseemanand, Bharat Mohanlal Rateshwar alias Bharat Bhai, Tejaram and Rajender Choudhary alias Samundar are the other accused in the judicial custody. Two others -- Sandeep V. Dange and Ramchandra Kalsangra -- are untraceable and on the run.

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