Bhatkal, aide in police custody in 2008 Karol Bagh blast case

NEW DELHI: Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal and his close aide Asadullah Akhtar were today remanded in custody of Delhi Police till December 20 by a court in connection with a September 13, 2008 serial blasts case here.

Bhatkal and Akhtar were produced before Additional Sessions Judge Daya Prakash after expiry of their remand in the case of September 2010 Jama Masjid terror attack which occurred days before the Commonwealth Games held here.

The special cell of Delhi Police told the court that they did not need further custodial interrogation of both the accused in the Jama Masjid terror attack case.

The police, however, said that they need to interrogate them in connection with the September 13, 2008 blast at Karol Bagh here. Several bomb blasts had rocked the national capital on that day claiming 26 lives and leaving 135 people injured.

The court allowed the police's plea and remanded both Bhatkal and Akhtar in police custody till December 20.

Five cases were registered in connection with the serial blasts at Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh, Barakhamba Road in Connaught Place, M-Block Market in Greater Kailash and recovery of a bomb near India Gate.

13 suspected Indian Mujahideen (IM) members are presently facing trial in the 2008 serial blasts cases.

Among the 13 accused, five men were arrested after an encounter with police at Batla House here on September 19, 2008.