Pune blast: Trial yet to begin, second accused in case seeks to plead guilty 10 years after arrest

In his plea, Khan has said that he was arrested by the Delhi Police in 2012 and his custody was sought by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in connection with the JM Road blasts case on December 20, 2012.

Claiming that the decade-long incarceration has made him realise the past blunders, the plea mentioned that the case caused him and family physical and financial hardships and he is remorseful.

Khan’s plea, filed through lawyer Tahera Qureshi, stated that he has no criminal antecedents and that in the offences alleged against him, no one died.

It added that he wants to restart his life and has exhausted all his financial resources and is suffering from various ailments. “I have never committed any prison offence in the 10 years and I have lived with discipline and peace in jail,” the plea said.

Khan has sought the minimum possible sentence. He is currently lodged in Tihar jail facing trial in another case, which is nearing conclusion.

On August 1, 2012, five low-intensity blasts had taken place on JM Road in Pune. Police had also found a live bomb on a bicycle that was diffused. The ATS had claimed that the blasts had been planned by banned terrorist organisation Indian Mujahideen.