Hyderabad: The Hyderabad twin blasts case came up for hearing before the Telangana High Court, where convicts challenged the death sentences imposed by the trial court.
The convicts approached the High Court seeking cancellation of the capital punishment awarded by the lower court. Therefore, the bench took up the appeals for detailed examination.
During the hearing, the High Court appointed two mitigators to assess the mental behaviour, health condition, and remorse of the convicts. The court said these factors required careful evaluation.
The defence counsel sought transfer of the case to another bench. However, the High Court rejected the request and adjourned the hearing of the appeal petitions.
Hyderabad twin blasts case background and trial court verdict
The case related to the twin bomb blasts that occurred on August 25, 2007, at Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat in Hyderabad. The coordinated timer bomb attacks killed 44 people and injured several others, triggering nationwide outrage.
Earlier, the Nampally court delivered its final verdict in the case after an 11-year-long trial. The court held Anik Shafiq Syed and Mohammed Akbar Ismail guilty of planting the bombs and sentenced them to death.
The court also convicted Tariq Anjum and awarded him life imprisonment. Investigators proved that he provided shelter to terrorists in Delhi after the blasts.
Police had arrested five accused in the Hyderabad twin blasts case. However, the court confirmed guilt only against Anik Shafiq Syed, Mohammed Akbar Ismail, and Tariq Anjum.
The trial court held that the accused committed offences related to waging war against the nation, murder, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful activities. As a result, it imposed the maximum punishment under law.