Tuesday, August 16 2005 20:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Shaikh Mohammed Muzamil, acquitted by a special Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) court in Ghatkopar bomb blast case, today (Aug 16, 2005) surrendered before the trial court which took him into custody immediately and later granted him bail after hearing his plea.

The accused surrendered after POTA court issued warrant against him in view of Bombay High Court admitting an appeal filed by Maharashtra Government challenging acquittal of five accused in Ghatkopar bomb blast case of December 2, 2002.

Muzamil was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs one lakh with two or more sureties in the same amount.

Three other accused in the same case Abdul Mateen, Imran Rehman Khan and Mohammed Altaf had also surrendered earlier and were granted bail.

However, co-accused Toufiq Ahmed is yet to appear before the court as warrant has been issued against him.

Defence lawyer said the four accused had voluntarily surrendered before the execution of the warrant against them since they have no intention to obstruct trial and are not absconding.

In cases where appeal is admitted, the accused has to surrender before the trial court to enable the High Court decide the issue of their acquittal, the lawyer said adding, it was up to the court to grant bail or take them into custody.

Two persons were killed and 49 injured when a powerful bomb exploded in a municipal bus outside Ghatkopar railway station on December 2, 2002.