9 cops suspended in connection with blast accused's death

The Uttar Pradesh government today suspended nine policemen, including a Sub-Inspector, in connection with the death of a terror suspect Khalid Mujahid while being taken to Lucknow jail after a hearing on May 18.
Nine policemen, including Sub-Inspector Ram Avadh, seven constables and a driver have been suspended with immediate effect, an official spokesman said here.
Mujahid, an accused in serial blasts that had rocked Lucknow and Faizabad courts in November 2007, died on May 18 after he fell sick and fainted near Barabanki border while being escorted to Lucknow jail after a court hearing.
He was rushed to a district hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Later, the state government, on the demand of the family of the deceased, has recommended a CBI inquiry into his death.
Earlier this month, a special court in Barabanki had rejected the Uttar Pradesh government's application to withdraw cases against Khalid Mujahid along with another accused Tariq Kasmi.