Hearing in Jama Masjid attack case against Bhatkal May 24

A court here Wednesday listed May 24 for hearing the case against Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal and his accomplice Asadullah Akhtar, in connection with the 2010 Jama Masjid terror attack.

Additional Sessions Judge Daya Prakash adjourned the hearing after the prosecutor and defence counsel sought time for scrutiny of documents filed with the charge sheet.

Delhi Police April 19 filed a chargesheet against two top IM men alleging that Bhatkal was instructed by Pakistan-based handlers to carry out attacks just before the beginning of the 2010 Commonwealth Games here.

Police has said the conspiracy for the attack was hatched to "dissuade foreign nations from participating in the same (CWG) and to portray the image of India, the host nation, as a weak and disturbed nation".

The IM operatives were chargesheeted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, and various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act.

Bhatkal, arrested in August last year near the Nepal border, is accused of being involved in various terror strikes in the country.