ATS starts recording statements of Yasin Bhatkal, Akhtar

The duo were produced before court after their statemenrs were recorded before a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) as per a provision under the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Monday started the process of recording statements of two Indian Mujahideen operatives — Yasin Bhatkal and Asadullah Akhtar — in connection with the July 13, 2011 triple blasts case of Mumbai.

The duo were produced before court after their statemenrs were recorded before a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) as per a provision under the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

However, lawyers representing the two said they were not informed about the recording of their statements. Interestingly, both Bhatkal and Akhtar have moved an application claiming that they do not wish to give any confession on their alleged role in the blasts.

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Sharif Shaikh, an advocate representing Akhtar, said, “We had no clue about this development. When one of my colleagues went to the ATS office to meet Akhtar today, he was sent back on the pretext that the accused had been taken out for interrogation.”

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