Samjhauta terror attack: Three more witnesses turn hostile during hearing

April 2, 2016

Panchkula, Apr 2: In a setback to National Investigation Agency (NIA), three more witnesses on Friday turned hostile during the hearing of the Samjhauta Express blasts case in which Swami Aseemanad is an accused.

Six witnesses were examined by the NIA court on Friday. In June 2011, the NIA had filed a chargesheet against Aseemanand and others, submitting that he was the mastermind of the Samjhauta blasts and instigated others to carry out terrorist strikes. As many as 68 people were killed when bombs were set off in February 2007 in two coaches of Samjhauta Express, running between Delhi and Lahore, at Diwana near Panipat.

The NIA had made Aseemanand the main accused after the death of Sunil Joshi, who was the allegedly the main conspirator of the blasts. Joshi was shot dead in Dewas in Madhya Pradesh in December 2007. According to the NIA, Aseemanand's telephone number was found in Joshi's personal diary under the 'emergency numbers' category.

Among those who turned hostile included Devender Upadhyaya, Uday Khanwalkar and Ashwin Joshi.

In their statements, the trio said they never had any links with RSS or knew none of the accused.

A total of 165 witnesses out of the total 299 have been examined in the case till now. More than 22 witnesses who had earlier identified the accused have now turned hostile.

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Hang all convicted without mercy irrespective of religion.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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