Aseemanand’s confession recorded at PKL court

The recording of the statement,which continued for about five hours,was in-camera. Only two persons,the magistrate and Aseemanand,were inside the chamber during the recording.

During the last hearing,the NIA had moved an application for the copy of his statement which they got today in a sealed cover. Sources said that the statement runs in 32 pages. The next hearing in the case will be at the NIA court on January 27.

Aseemanand’s counsel Manvir Singh Rathi said,“From day one,the Swami has been saying that he is not involved in the blasts. Whatever he said today can be known only later when the chargesheet is submitted.”

Regarding his statement at the Tis Hazari courts,where he had reportedly confessed his involvement in various blasts,Rathi said,“The Swami says his statements were not voluntary.” He added that it looked as if he was under pressure and this would be revealed at the time of defence. Before leaving the court,NIA officials instructed Aseemanand not to say anything to media,which he obeyed.

Court rejects plea
Chandigarh: Before the recording of the statement,the court dismissed the application of a Chandigarh lawyer Satinder Singh. He had sought the court’s intervention to ascertain from the investigating agency what had necessitated the recording of a second statement,to grant more time to Aseemanand as his police remand had ended on January 13 and he might not be in the right frame of mind,and the steps should be taken to keep the statement secret. He also raised the point that Rathi was short on experience to assist Aseemanand. The judge said that the applicant had no locus standi in the case.