19 convicted in Khagragarh blast
Kolkata: Nineteen out of 30 persons arrested by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with Khagragarh blast case were pronounced guilty on Wednesday.
The quantum of punishment is scheduled to be announced on Friday.
According to sources, on October 2, 2014, an explosion took place at a house at Khagragarh in Budwan which was taken on rent by a person identified as Sakil Ahmad alias Sakil Gazi. Sakil died on the spot several others were injured.
One of the injured persons succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. During investigation, several objects and explosives used for preparation of bombs, grenades and components used to manufacture ammunition and machinery used in cutting and shaping iron pipes were seized.
Primary investigation revealed the occupants of the house were active members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a terrorist organisation of Bangladesh. Following the case was handed over to NIA, 30 persons were arrested by the central agency and multiple charge-sheets were submitted before the court.
A few days ago, 19 accused persons pleaded guilty to the magistrate. After submission of their prayer, magistrate of Special NIA Court accepted the appeal and on Wednesday he pronounced them guilty of criminal conspiracy and allegations under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The quantum of punishment is scheduled to be announced on Friday.
The JMB terrorist arrested by Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police had planned explosions at some temples in India in order to prove their existence.
According to sources, during interrogation it was revealed that Salauddin, founder of JMB in Bangladesh did not wanted Ejaz Ahmed to be made the top most leader in India.
But Kausar, who has been arrested by NIA, and is in judicial custody at present wanted Ejaz to be the second in command in India so that he could take over in case of Kausar's absence.
The police also came to know that Salauddin had come to India approximately two years ago and went to Bengaluru and Dhuliyan.
Police came to know that recently Ejaz brought some Bangladeshi youths to India and provided them training.
After completion their trainings, these youths were given tasks.
After knowing their inputs, the police are trying to locate Salauddin and those youths. It is still unknown whether they have plans to explode bombs in any part of the country.
