Aseemanand released from Hyderabad jail

Hyderabad: Swami Aseemanand, an accused in 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case, was released from the Chanchalguda Central Prison here this evening.

The metropolitan sessions court here had granted bail to Aseemanand and co-accused Bharat Mohanlal Rateshwar on March 23.

The court directed Aseemanand not to leave Hyderabad without court’s permission and remain present for the trial when required.

Rateshwar was released from the jail last week.

Aseemanand had been arrested on November 19, 2010 from Haridwar.

Telangana government had said it would take steps to get his bail cancelled.

Nine persons were killed in the Mecca Masjid blast here on May 18, 2007. According to the prosecution, it was the handiwork of a Hindu right-wing group.

After a Jaipur court acquitted Aseemanand (and six others) in the 2007 Ajmer blast case, he was arrested in Mecca Masjid case and lodged in the Chanchalguda Central Prison.

—PTI