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 n 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 n 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.