Mumbai, Aug 29: A special court has permitted on humanitarian ground the 1993 bomb blast accused Salim Khan to visit Nainital in Uttar Pradesh to see his ailing relative and also to visit his home town Tonk in Rajasthan until September 14. The accused has been directed to appear before the court on September 15 without fail.
Salim was warned not to maintain contact with any absconding accused or tamper with evidence in any manner.
Salim's lawyer Farhana Shah pleaded that the accused wanted to visit Nainital as his brother-in-law was seriously ill. He also wanted to visit his home town in Rajasthan to supervise his agricultural holdings. Salim belongs to the princely state of Tonk, the only Pakhtoon state in India. He belongs to the royal family of Tonk and is highly educated.
Salim is facing trial in 1993 bomb blast case since 1995 under Tada (P) Act. He is charged with harbouring co-accused. Salim has denied the charges.
Meanwhile, the court has directed 86 accused in this case, including film actor Sanjay Dutt, to appear on September 15. About 30 accused, lodged in central prison, would also be produced on the same day. The trial has reached its fag end and the court is making preparations to deliver its verdict. CBI produced 687 witnesses to support their case that the accused had conspired to trigger serial blasts in Mumbai to avenge demolition of disputed structure in Ayodhaya. Bureau Report