By Shaik Zakeer Hussain, TwoCircles.net,
Bengaluru: Aijaz Ahmed Mirza, a former junior research fellow at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), arrested in the 2012 Bangalore ‘terror conspiracy case’ was acquitted of all charges by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) here on Friday as no evidence was found against him for prosecution.
Aijaz, who was arrested with his brother Shoaib Ahmed Mirza along with 15 other Muslim youths from Bangalore, Hubli and Hyderabad were charged of allegedly conceiving a plot to assassinate Hindutva leaning politicians and journalists in Karnataka and other places. He was released on statutory bail last year in March 2013 after the court had ordered his release, subject to submission of two sureties for Rs 25,000 each and his passport. Two of his fellow co-accused Yousuf Nalaband and journalist Muthi-ur Rehman Siddique were exonerated of all charges last year.
Aijaz Ahmed Mirza
Speaking on the condition of anonymity to the media, one NIA officer said that, “we did not include his name in the final charge sheet as there was no prosecutable evidence against him.” The NIA filed the final charge sheet in the case before a special court here on May 27.
Aijaz, who was holding the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in the Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) in Bangalore at the time of his arrest, was terminated from his job by DRDO citing his arrest and prolonged absence from work. Following questions raised by MPs in Lok Sabha and raising demand for his reinstatement, the then Defence Minister AK Antony had in a written reply assured that the, “reinstatement of Shri Aijaz Ahmed Mirza can be considered after getting confirmation of his innocence from Investigation Agency / Court.”
Aijaz, who spoke to media from his hometown in Hubli, said that he is relieved that his name is cleared from all charges, and said that he would request the director general of DRDO to reinstate him as a junior researcher, as was promised if he was declared innocent.
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