Monday, August 22 2005 15:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The trial in the case of twin bomb blasts that rocked the Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar in south Mumbai on August 25, 2003, is all set to begin tomorrow (August 23, 2005) in a POTA court with the deposition of an approver, prosecution said today (August 22, 2005).

Designated judge A P Bhangale today (August 22, 2005) allowed the plea of public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to examine the approver who is expected to throw light on the conspiracy leading to twin explosions that killed 50 persons and injured over 100.

The approver would be produced amid tight security in the POTA court. On the request of the prosecutor, the court has restrained the media from revealing the approver's name.

Five accused, Arshat Ansari, Mohammed Hanif, Hanif's wife Fahmida, Batterywala and Ladoowala, would also be produced tomorrow (August 23, 2005) to stand trial.

At the instance of the prosecutor, the court had earlier discharged Fahmida's daughter, as there was no evidence to implicate her in the crime. Despite recommendation of the POTA review committee, the court refused to discharge Batterywala and Ladoowala in this case.

Meanwhile, Fahmida's bail plea would also come up for hearing tomorrow (August 23, 2005). She has filed a bail plea in the POTA court on the grounds that she is unwell. The judge has directed the jail authorities to submit a medical report on Fahmida's health.

The decks have been cleared for the trial as the Bombay High Court had recently vacated its stay on the proceedings after some accused had challenged the confessional statement of co-accused.