Trial in 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case resumes

Mumbai, June 29: Trial in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case, stayed two years ago by the Supreme Court, today resumed in a Special MCOCA court here.

Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had in May 2006 claimed to have seized 43 kgs of RDX, 50 hand grenades, 16 AK-47 rifles and over 3,000 live bullets from Chandaud in Aurangabad, Central Maharashtra.

Twenty-one persons arrested in the case are facing trial under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Special Judge Y D Shinde today adjourned the trial till July 23 after directing the accused to appoint lawyers to defend them. The court is yet to frame charges against the suspects.

The trial in the arms case and also the July 11, 2006 train bombings was stayed by the apex court after one of the accused challenged the constitutional validity of certain provisions of MCOCA.

–Agencies