WAIT FOR JUSTICE CONTINUES

May 18, 2007: An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at in the historic Mecca Masjid, where over 5,000 Muslims had gathered for Friday prayers.

Five people were killed on the spot and four others died in hospital later. In all, 58 persons were injured. Violence broke out in the Old City following the blast as agitated Muslims went on a rampage. Police resorted to firing, killing five people. Hyderabad police registered a case at Hussaini Alam police station and took several Muslims into custody on the suspicion of being involved in the blast.

June 2007: The case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) .

December 2007: Key accused Sunil Joshi shot dead in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.

January 2009: As many as 21 young men who were chargesheeted in the case by the Hyderabad police, were acquitted by the Nampally criminal courts later for lack of evidence.

June 2010: CBI says Abhinav Bharat, a Hindu outfit, had a role in the blast.

November 2010: Aseemanand is arrested in connection with the Mecca Masjid blast.

December 2010: CBI files charge sheet against Devender Gupta, Lokesh Sharma and four others.

April 2011: National Investigation Agency (NIA) takes over the investigation.

March 23, 2017: Aseemanand

granted bail.

June 2013: NIA chargesheets 10 accused, including Aseemanand.

February 2018: Key witness Lt Colonel Srikanth Purohit turned hostile.

April 16, 2018: NIA court acquits all accused due to lack of evidence.