
‘Eyewitnesses recalled faces after 100 days, how,' ask judges
HC pointed out that two cabbies who claimed to have taken two accused, both alleged planters, to Churchgate station; and four eyewitnesses who claimed to see the accused planting bombs in the trains were silent for over 100 days, which, the court said, was "very abnormal." The court said that with minimum interaction, it was doubtful the the cabbies could identify the accused duo after 100 days, reports Swati Deshpande.
The identification parade of various accused in the 11/7 train blasts case was conducted by two special special executive officers or SEOs, one of whom ceased to hold the post in 2005. The Bombay high court said in its judgment that the prosecution failed to bring any evidence on record to show that he continued to be the SEO when the test identification parade was conducted by him on Nov 7, 2006. Hence, the identification of three accused—all alleged planters—stands vitiated and is discarded, it stated.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
You Can Also Check:
Mumbai AQI
|
Weather in Mumbai
|
Bank Holidays in Mumbai
|
Public Holidays in Mumbai
However, prosecution witnesses can identify accused in court during the trial, but the high court found such identification lacked the credibility it needed.
The HC said the first of six categories of eyewitnesses produced by the prosecution against the accused were two taxi drivers who took two accused, both alleged planters, to Churchgate station; they identified the accused. A total of eight witnesses identified the accused in test identification parades and also in court.
Apart from the two taxi drivers, four claimed to have seen the accused planting the bombs in the trains.
The seventh one claimed that he saw the accused preparing bombs, and the eighth said he saw the hatching of the conspiracy and identified the accused in court. One witness claimed to have seen the suspects after they alighted from the train. His statement helped in creating two sketches, but he was not asked to identify the accused in court, the HC noted.
The HC underscored the part of the brain that helps with face recognition. It said Mumbai cabbies operate in a "manner distinct" from others in India. A passenger states where he wishes to go, and a taxi driver either agrees or disagrees. There is hardly any chance for any taxi driver to have a long interaction with any passenger and to have sufficient and ample opportunity to notice and observe the passengers and their faces, and to store the same in memory for a long period, unless there is some special reason (to do so).
The court said neither cabbie went to the police for over 100 days. The defence said they are "got up witnesses." The high court said that with minimum interaction, it was doubtful they could identify the accused duo after 100 days.
Accounts of the other four eyewitnesses who claimed to see the accused planting bombs in the trains were discarded by the high court, as three of them were in the test identification parade conducted by the SEO who lacked power. Also, for over 100 days, they too were silent, a fact that the high court said was "very abnormal," and they identified the accused in court after over four years. The high court found no special reason for their ability to recollect the faces after "such a long period.
"

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
What to know about the man charged with trying to assassinate Trump in Florida
Ryan Wesley Routh takes part in a rally in central Kyiv, Ukraine, April 30, 2022. A man charged with attempting to assassinate president Donald Trump in South Florida last year was back in court this week, asking a federal judge to let him represent himself, as prosecutors tried to block him from introducing irrelevant evidence during trial. Ryan Routh's court-appointed federal public defenders on Thursday asked to be taken off the case, saying he had refused repeated attempts to meet with their team. Separately, prosecutors trying the case asked a judge ahead of the September trial to rule out the introduction of inadmissible evidence, such as Routh's previous writings, that may unfairly influence jurors. The judge was planning to hear arguments over that matter on Friday. Here's what to know about the case. The judge lets Ryan Routh represent himself US District Judge Aileen Cannon signed off Thursday on Ryan Routh's request to represent himself during his trial but said court-appointed attorneys need to remain as standby counsel. The judge told Routh that she believed it was a bad idea for Routh to represent himself, but he wouldn't be dissuaded. Routh, who has described the extent of his education as two years of college after earning his GED certificate, told Cannon that he understood and would be ready. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo On Friday, the judge was hearing a motion from prosecutors to limit unrelated evidence at trial. "As the Court knows, Routh has been very explicit in his desire to turn this trial into a circus where his supposed good character is weighed against the President's," the prosecutors wrote. Routh is a self-styled mercenary leader The 59-year-old Routh was a North Carolina construction worker who in recent years had moved to Hawaii. A self-styled mercenary leader, Routh spoke out to anyone who would listen about his dangerous, sometimes violent plans to insert himself into conflicts around the world, witnesses have told The Associated Press. In the early days of the war in Ukraine, Routh tried to recruit soldiers from Afghanistan, Moldova and Taiwan to fight the Russians. In his native Greensboro, North Carolina, he had a 2002 arrest for eluding a traffic stop and barricading himself from officers with a fully automatic machine gun and a "weapon of mass destruction," which turned out to be an explosive with a 10-inch-long fuse. In 2010, police searched a warehouse Routh owned and found more than 100 stolen items, from power tools and building supplies to kayaks and spa tubs. In both felony cases, judges gave Routh either probation or a suspended sentence. Routh is charged with attempted assassination Authorities said Routh tried to assassinate Trump, who was running for his second term last September as the GOP presidential nominee, while he played golf at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Routh is facing five felony counts in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida. They include attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate; possessing a firearm to carry out a violent crime; assaulting a federal officer; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Judge presided over Trump's classified documents case If the judge's name sounds familiar, it's because she presided over another high-profile case involving Trump - the classified documents case. Last year, Cannon sided with Trump's lawyers who said the special counsel who filed the charges was illegally appointed by the US justice department. Cannon's ruling halted a criminal case that at the time it was filed was widely regarded as the most perilous of all the legal threats the president faced before he returned to office last January. Cannon was a former federal prosecutor who was nominated to the bench by Trump in 2020. Trump was not hurt in the incident He was fine, US secret service agents stationed a few holes up from where Trump was playing golf noticed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle sticking through the shrubbery that lines the course, roughly 400 yards away. An agent fired, and the gunman dropped the rifle and fled in an SUV, leaving the firearm behind along with two backpacks, a scope used for aiming and a GoPro camera. He was later stopped by law enforcement in a neighbouring county. Last September's assassination attempt took place just nine weeks after Trump survived another attempt on his life in Pennsylvania.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Thailand-Cambodia clash intensifies: Heavy weapons, field artillery used, over 1,00,000 flee; 10 latest developments
Fighter jets, landmines and diplomatic expulsions have pushed Thailand and Cambodia to their deadliest border conflict in more than a decade. Both countries have mobilised ground troops and heavy weaponry, with deadly consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire. The Thai military has accused Cambodian forces of sustained bombardment using heavy weapons, field artillery and rocket systems, saying it responded with "appropriate supportive fire" and advised civilians to evacuate conflict zones. The escalation, centred on disputed zones along the 800-kilometre frontier, erupted into violence on Thursday after weeks of rising tension. At least 14 people have been killed, 13 civilians and one Thai soldier and more than 100,000 displaced as tanks, artillery, and rocket systems were deployed. Thai F-16s were scrambled for airstrikes, while Cambodian forces launched heavy bombardments, including a deadly rocket attack on a petrol station in Sisaket province. Here are the 10 latest developments: US Embassy issues statement The United States has voiced deep concern over the escalating violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border, particularly the growing toll on civilians. In a statement issued by the US Embassy in Bangkok, Washington expressed condolences for the lives lost and urged both sides to bring an immediate end to hostilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The US also called on Thailand and Cambodia to prioritise the protection of civilians and resolve their dispute through peaceful dialogue. 'We are particularly alarmed by reports of harm to innocent civilians,' the statement read, adding that diplomatic channels must be pursued to prevent further bloodshed. Civilian toll rises after deadly rocket strike One of the deadliest incidents was a Cambodian rocket attack on a petrol station in Sisaket province. Footage showed flames and smoke billowing from the site as emergency services responded. The Thai health ministry confirmed 11 civilians and one soldier were killed, while 35 were wounded. Most victims were students inside the attached convenience store. A witness, Praphas Intaracheun, said, 'There was a gigantic cloud of smoke… I don't even dare sleep. ' Hospitals near the border, including one in Surin province, were partially evacuated after being struck by artillery shells. Thai officials condemned the attacks as targeted strikes on civilian infrastructure. Mass displacement on both sides of the border More than 100,000 Thais have fled from four border provinces and been relocated to nearly 300 temporary shelters, according to Thailand's interior ministry. In Cambodia, villagers near the border with Thailand packed belongings and fled, fearing night-time escalations. In Samraong town, 20km from the frontier, distant artillery fire continued Friday morning. 'We are scared because they began shooting again at about 6:00 am,' said Pro Bak, a Cambodian father fleeing with his family. Thai authorities have sealed all land crossings and urged nationals to leave Cambodia. Both nations remain on high alert. Cambodia invokes combat readiness, warns of retaliation Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a rare and forceful warning, declaring Cambodia was 'fully prepared for combat' and would retaliate against any Thai aggression. 'Do not boast of your superior military power or think of invading Cambodia,' he said. The Cambodian military has reportedly mobilised units near the border, and the government activated emergency contingency planning. Meanwhile, the Thai army implemented the Chakrabongse Bhuvanath Plan — last used during the 2011 Preah Vihear Temple conflict — as part of heightened readiness measures. UN Security Council to hold emergency session At the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Phnom Penh has also filed a new complaint with the International Court of Justice over four disputed areas. Although the ICJ ruled in favour of Cambodia's sovereignty over Preah Vihear temple and surrounding land in 2013, Thailand continues to reject its jurisdiction. Diplomats from China, France, the US, and EU have all issued statements urging both sides to de-escalate and return to dialogue. Border clash turns deadly near ancient temples The first clash erupted Thursday near the Ta Muen Thom temple, along the Thai-Cambodian border. Thai forces claim they spotted six armed Cambodian soldiers approaching and attempted to de-escalate. According to Bangkok, Cambodian troops opened fire first, prompting retaliatory strikes. In response, Thailand deployed six air force jets to strike Cambodian military positions. Cambodia countered, accusing Thailand of unprovoked aggression, claiming Thai drones violated its airspace first. Fighting quickly spread to five other locations, with ground troops, tanks, and heavy artillery engaging from both sides. Civilians on both sides fled to bunkers as the shelling intensified. The Cambodian Defence Ministry maintains its actions were limited to self-defence. Landmine explosion triggers diplomatic breakdown Tensions spiked on Wednesday when five Thai soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion. Thailand claims the mines were newly planted on a path both countries had agreed was cleared, alleging they were Russian-made and likely planted by Cambodian forces — a violation of the Ottawa Convention. Cambodia rejected the accusations as baseless, pointing to leftover unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts. Nonetheless, Thailand expelled Cambodia's ambassador and recalled its own envoy. In retaliation, Phnom Penh downgraded diplomatic ties, recalled its diplomats, and expelled Thai officials. Thai political turmoil deepens amid military pressure The conflict has exposed growing instability within Thailand, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended amid an ethics probe. She allegedly undermined the military in a leaked call with Hun Sen while attempting to calm tensions in May. The Thai army, which holds considerable sway over national security, has since tightened its control over border policy. Analysts suggest the conflict is being driven in part by friction between the Shinawatra political family and Thailand's powerful military establishment. Cambodia and Thailand accuse each other of war crimes Rhetoric has grown harsher. Thailand accused Cambodia of "inhumane, brutal and war-hungry" tactics, citing the rocket strike on the petrol station and the shelling of a hospital. Cambodia, meanwhile, described Thailand's airstrikes as 'unprovoked military aggression' and maintained it only targeted military facilities. Cambodia's Foreign Ministry argued Thailand's drone incursions and use of jets marked an escalation into acts of war. Both sides continue to deny responsibility for starting the conflict, each portraying itself as the victim of aggression. Colonial-era borders at heart of conflict The border dispute traces back to colonial-era agreements made during French rule in Indochina. Much of the current border was drawn between 1863 and the 1950s, with contentious zones remaining ill-defined. In 1962 and again in 2013, the ICJ ruled in Cambodia's favour over the Preah Vihear temple and adjacent land. Still, Thailand disputes these rulings. Sporadic violence erupted between 2008 and 2011, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people and displacing thousands — a pattern eerily repeating today. Global calls for ceasefire and protection of civilians The United States, China, France, and the European Union have all called for an immediate end to the fighting. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued a strongly worded statement urging both nations to protect civilians and pursue peaceful resolutions. 'We are gravely concerned… and alarmed by reports of harm to innocent civilians,' it said. China and the EU echoed the call for restraint, while France emphasised the need to uphold international law. Still, with both sides refusing to back down, a diplomatic resolution remains uncertain.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
WWE legend Hulk Hogan passes on anniversary of 2015 scandal that nearly ended his legacy
Hulk Hogan. Image via:WWE icon Hulk Hogan , real name Terry Bollea, passed away Thursday, July 24, at age 71, in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The date marked a haunting coincidence— it was exactly 10 years since the racist audio leak that almost erased his legacy. Once a symbol of professional wrestling's golden era, Hogan's final chapter is now intertwined with one of the darkest moments in his career. Hulk Hogan's 2015 racist controversy, what went down? Hogan's rise was unmatched. He turned WWE into a household name in the 1980s, riding the wave of 'Hulkamania' straight into movies, television, and pop culture immortality. With his 24-inch pythons, red-and-yellow gear, and booming charisma, he was an icon. — WrestleOps (@WrestleOps) But in 2015, that image shattered. A leaked recording captured Hogan using racial slurs in a tirade about his daughter's boyfriend. 'I'd rather if she was going to f— some n—er,' he said on tape. 'I'd rather have her marry an 8-foot-tall n—er worth a hundred million dollars! Like a basketball player!' WWE quickly severed ties. 'WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan),' the company announced at the time. 'WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds.' Hogan was removed from the Hall of Fame page, his merchandise vanished, and his presence across WWE's platforms was erased. In his words, it felt like he 'never existed.' According to transcripts cited by Marc Lamont Hill, Hogan also referred to fellow wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson using the n-word and 'sambo.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted. Undo Johnson later addressed the controversy: 'I was pretty disappointed with what I heard, like all of us... I had not known the man to be racist.' Hulk Hogan's redemption arc After the public fallout, Hogan issued a formal apology: 'Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable... and I apologize for having done it. This is not who I am,' Hogan told PEOPLE. On Good Morning America, he broke down. 'It was wrong. I'm embarrassed by it,' he told ABC's Amy Robach, explaining he was unaware he was being recorded and that he had been at the lowest point in his life. 'I wanted to kill myself,' he said. Hogan attributed his use of the slur to growing up in a rough South Tampa neighborhood where the word 'was just thrown around like it was nothing.' But he pleaded for forgiveness. 'Please forgive me. I'm a nice guy... I'm just Terry Bollea. I'm just a normal man.' In the years that followed, Hogan made efforts to rebuild his public image and raise awareness about the consequences of hate speech. Whether those efforts were enough will remain a point of debate. Also Read: WWE icon Hulk Hogan passes away at 71, triggering heartfelt tributes from sports and entertainment giants As news of his passing broke, fans were left grappling with the complex legacy of a man who once embodied American heroism, only to fall victim to his own words. FAQs Where did Hulk Hogan die? Hogan passed away in Clearwater Beach, Florida, after suffering cardiac arrest. What caused Hulk Hogan's career downfall in 2015? A leaked sex tape captured him using racial slurs, leading to his termination from WWE. How did Hulk Hogan respond to the backlash? He apologized publicly and said he was deeply ashamed, asking fans to forgive him. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!