14 acquitted in 2005 violence near Gyanvapi

Varanasi: In a case of violent communal clash sparked by frisking of Mufti-e-Banaras Maulana Abdul Batin by security personnel near Gyanvapi gate on Sep 2, 2005, court of additional session judge on Wednesday acquitted all 14 named accused, giving them benefit of doubt.In his order, Additional Session Judge Yajuvendra Vikram Singh ruled that prosecution failed to prove charges framed against the accused, hence, giving them benefit of doubt, acquitted all 14.A total of 16 individuals from both sides, including Shankar Giri, Mahant Rajendra Tiwari, Bhanu Mishra, Gulshan Kapur, Ajay Choubey, Jugnu Goswami, Shiv Seth, Mohammad Ejaz, former councillor Saleem, Sher Ali, Gulsher Ali, Shamser Ali, Irfan, Bachcha Musalman, Achhu Miya and Haji Suleman and about 2,000 unidentified persons were booked under sections of IPC and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Two accused, including Shiv Seth and Haji Suleman, died during the two decades of trial.Two groups had clashed after security personnel started frisking Maulana Batin and others who were proceeding to Gyanvapi mosque to offer Juma namaz. Batin’s supporters opposed action of the securitymen and the dispute took a violent turn.