New Delhi: Nine members of the Chhota Shakeel gang had hatched a conspiracy in Mumbai during July- September 2001 to assassinate Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani during his visit to Lucknow on September 22-23, 2001, Rajya Sabha was informed today (Dec 17, 2003).

Stating this in a written reply, Minister of State for Home Affairs I D Swami said the police had arrested seven conspirators from Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore on different dates between October 9 and 11, 2001.

Two conspirators moved to Bangkok from Chennai before they were identified, he said, adding that as such, there was no negligence/dereliction of duties on the part of any officer.

PTI