The demolition of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, was not planned and involved “anti-social elements”, a court in Uttar Pradesh said on Wednesday, acquitting all 32 accused including BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti of conspiracy charges in a landmark verdict.
“The accused tried to stop the demolition,” said special CBI judge SK Yadav, adding that the Hindu activists who tore down the 16th-century mosque were “anti-social elements”. Yadav said that demolition was spontaneous and not pre-planned.
The structure was demolished by anti-social elements. The involvement of the accused, direct or indirect, was not found, the judge said.
All 26 accused appeared before the court around 10.30 am. Outside the court, there was heavy police deployment and barricading. Media persons were not allowed to enter the court premises in the Qaiserbagh area of Lucknow.BJP leaders LK Advani and Murali Manohar Joshi have welcomed the verdict.
The case relates to the razing of the disputed structure in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.
