Wednesday, June 1 2005 08:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The trial court in Mumbai, which is conducting the re-trial in the Best Bakery case, has sought another extension - of three months - from the Supreme Court as the earlier deadline expired yesterday (May 31, 2005).

According to prosecution sources, the court has dashed off a letter to the apex court seeking further extension of three months.

The letter has been sent to the Bombay High Court, which in turn would forward it to the Supreme Court, the sources said.

Fourteen persons were killed in the attack on the Best Bakery at Vadodara on March 1, 2002 during the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat.

In 2003, a Gujarat court had acquitted 21 accused in the case. Prime witness Zaheera Sheikh then approached the Supreme Court saying that she was threatened to make false deposition in the Gujarat court.

The Apex Court had then on April 12, 2004 directed that the case be re-tried in Maharashtra and also directed that the re-trial be completed by December 31, 2004.

However, in December 2004, as the prosecution was still examining witnesses, the special court had earlier sought five months extension, which expired yesterday.

The special court has once again sought extension from the Supreme Court as the trial is yet to be concluded.