Attempt to murder case: Ahmedabad blasts suspect gets 10 years in prison

AURANGABAD: An Aurangabad court has sentenced two men, including a suspect in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for allegedly attempting to kill a police officer.

District and sessions judge V V Patil yesterday sentenced Mohammed Abrar alias Ismail Babu Khan (then aged 32), suspected of involvement in the Ahmedabad blasts, and Khalil Akhil Khiljee alias Shaker Husain (then aged 20), to 10 years rigorous imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, on March 26, 2012, acting on a tip-off that the gang -- headed by Abu Faizal, a former member of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) -- would arrive in Himayat Bagh area of the town, a team of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) laid a trap.

When Abrar, also an alleged member of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM), and his three accomplices reached the place, the police team commanded them to surrender.

Abrar and his aides then opened fire at the police in which a constable was injured. In retaliation, the police also fired at the gang members and nabbed them.

A case was registered against Abrar, Khiljee and two others under various sections, including attempt to murder.

The police later filed a charge sheet in the court where 23 witnesses were examined during the hearing.

Subsequently, the court convicted Abrar and Khiljee under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) and sentenced them to 10 years rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 15,000 each.

The two other accused were acquitted for want of evidence against them.

Notably, 18 blasts had rocked the Ahmedabad city on July 26, 2008 in which 56 people were killed and over 150 injured.

IM operative Yasin Bhatkal is one of the main accused in the case.