After month’s fast for speedy trial,spying suspect falls ill

Afghani was arrested from Govandi railway station on October 10,2007 and booked under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly surveying sensitive Navy installations. According to the 135-page chargehseet filed by the ATS,Afghani had also revealed an ISI plan to take the sea route and launch an attack.

A Class X dropout,he lived with his mother and two younger brothers and earned Rs 2,500 a month. Afghani is also accused of having surveyed the coast around the Gateway of India and shot 52 photos of ships at the naval base.

“His trial hasn’t begun as yet. He complained of several complications earlier,too,but the police paid no attention. Finally he went on a hunger-strike and his health deteriorated after fasting for a month from December 17,” added Azmi.

Sessions Judge O S Jaiswal has sought a report on Afghani’s health by next week.