Hearing on charges in 2008 Malegaon blast case to start in Feb

Seven years after the blast at Malegaon in Maharashtra which claimed six lives and left over 100 others injured, the special court here will start hearing arguments on the charges from February 2.
"The court will hear the arguments on framing of charges against the accused from February 2," said special prosecutor Prakash Rasal who represents National Investigation Agency.
Twelve persons, including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, have been arrested for alleged conspiracy which led to the blast at Malegaon which has a sizable Muslim population, on September 29, 2008.
The accused, who allegedly belonged to a right-wing group, were booked under stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Following a Supreme Court order, a special court was constituted to hear the case which is conducting the proceedings in-camera.