Muslim Board to challenge Advani's acquittal

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Friday said it would challenge the acquittal of Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

The board's spokesperson, S Q R Ilyas, told rediff.com: "The decision (of the Rae Bareli special court) is really unfortunate. The man who spearheaded the whole campaign (for the demolition of the mosque) has been acquitted.

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"We are going to question the decision. We are discussing it with the legal committee and will move to a higher court soon."

The court, while acquitting Advani, ruled that charges would be filed against seven others, including Human Resources Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi.

Ilyas blamed the Central Bureau of Investigation for the acquittal. The home ministry, which is under Advani, governs the CBI.

He said there were video recordings showing Advani and other BJP leaders inciting karsevaks to demolish the mosque in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

"The CBI did not present the proof against Advani in the court," said Ilyas.

"Moreover, it was Advani who campaigned for months and gathered the so-called activists in Ayodhya who demolished the mosque. If others can be charged, how can Advani be exempted? They all belong to the same gang."