ATS says no objection to Upadhyay, Pandey contesting polls

The ATS, investigating the 2008 Malegaon blast case today said that it had no objection with two of the accused - rtd Major Ramesh Upadhyay and self-styled religious leader Dayanand Pandey, contesting the forthcoming general elections.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), investigating the 2008 Malegaon blast case on Wednesday said that it had no objection with two of the accused - rtd Major Ramesh Upadhyay and self-styled religious leader Dayanand Pandey, contesting the forthcoming general elections.

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The investigating agency told the special MCOCA court in Mumbai that it has no objection with Upadhyay and Pandey contesting the Lok Sabha elections.

The agency, however, said it is upto the Election Commission and the jail authorities to take a final decision on the duo's application.

Special public prosecutor Rohini Salian, however, argued that the probe agency would raise objections if the duo later seek release on bail for campaigning.

Both Pandey and Upadhyay have filed applications before the court seeking permission to contest the elections from Jammu and Kashmir and Pune respectively as independent candidates.

The court is expected to pass its order on the applications on March 30.