2010 Jama Masjid blast: Charges ordered against Yasin Bhatkal, others
A Delhi court has ordered framing of charges against Indian Mujahideen chief Yasin Bhatkal and 10 others in the 2010 Jama Masjid blast. However, three accused named in the police chargesheet have been discharged. The court noted there wasn't enough evidence against them. Last December, an NIA court had awarded Bhatkal the death penalty over the 2013 Hyderabad bomb blasts which killed 18.
What happened at the 2010 Jama Masjid attack?
On September 19, 2010, two suspected IM terrorists opened fire at a bus from which mostly foreign tourists were descending near the Jama Masjid. Soon after, a minor blast went off in a nearby car. Two people, both Taiwanese citizens, were injured.
Yasin Bhatkal made a pressure cooker IED
Bhatkal and other suspected terrorists were chargesheeted for the blast. It was believed to be aimed at dissuading foreign nations from participating in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Bhatkal had allegedly prepared a pressure cooker IED and planted it in a car. However, not enough evidence was found against Abdus Saboor, Syed Ismail Affaque and Riyaz Ahmad Sayeedi.
