New Delhi:
Five people accused in the 2005 Liberty and Satyam cinema blasts case of May 22 2005, have pleaded guilty before a trial court in Delhi. One among them included Jagtar Singh Hawara, the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief in India.
As they pleaded guilty, the court accepted their pleas and convicted them for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, attempt to murder and conspiracy to wage war against the nation among other charges. Since all the accused have already been in custody since 2005, the court deemed that they had served their sentence. This means that all four are expected to walk free by tonight after they complete jail formalities.
Hawara is currently serving life term for assassinating former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. He is also facing trial in another case and cannot be released.
In the twin blasts case, Hawara was charged only for harbouring two of the accused, who were actively involved in executing the blasts.
The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on each of them. The four accused who were in custody since May 31, 2005, pleaded guilty of conspiracy to commit offences against the state, attempt to murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the Indian Penal Code and the Explosives Substance Act.
The five also pleaded guilty under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The twin blasts in Delhi at the Liberty and Satyam cinema halls were triggered by crude devices during the screening of film 'Jo Bole So Nihaal.'' 60 people were injured in it and two people died.
(With PTI inputs)