Hyderabad twin blast case: Defence to challenge verdict
Three other accused, Riyaz Bhatkal and his brother Iqbal Bhatkal, and Amir Reza Khan are still absconding.
Hyderabad: The two men found guilty of setting off the two blasts that killed 44 persons at Gokul Chat and Lumbini Park here in 2007 were sentenced to death on Monday. Another convict was given life imprisonment.
However, death penalty is the highest punishment," said Challa Seshu Reddy, the special public prosecutor of Counter Intelligence Cell.
The first charge sheet in the case was filed on May 16, 2009, and a month later, two supplementary charge sheets were filed in the court by the Counter Intelligence Cell.
The prosecution questioned 159 witnesses in the case.
Three other accused, Riyaz Bhatkal and his brother Iqbal Bhatkal, and Amir Reza Khan are still absconding.
“As the accused are still absconding, the court said that they will face trial after they are caught,” said Mr Surender.
Aneeq and Choudhary were found guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, and also under the Explosive Substances Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (PDPPA).
Defence counsel Gandham Gurumurthy said the defence will challenge the judgment in the case of all three once the judgment copy is received.
Responding to a query, he said: “The accused have the right to challenge the judgment in the higher courts and can also go for Presidential pardon.”