Pune blast advocate quits NCP minority cell

The advocate representing German Bakery blast accused Himayat Baig has resigned from his post as general secretary of the minority cell of Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party, claiming that his move was prompted by "higher ups" in the party being displeased with his taking the brief.

A Rehman, a senior lawyer, had appeared on behalf of Baig on September 20 before the magistrate hearing the case, ignoring an appeal issued by the Pune Bar Association  (PBA) asking fraternity members to refrain from representing the accused in view of the "anti-national" nature of the crime.

Rehman's decision to take up the case evoked vociferous protests from members of PBA even as association President Milind Pawar clarified that the appeal was on "moral grounds" and not binding individually.

Rehman told PTI that he had not resigned from primary membership of the NCP and had only quit his minority cell post following the development.

"I have sent my resignation as general secretary of the minority cell of state NCP to Habib Fakib who is its President. He, has, however not accepted it so far," he added.

Asked as to why he wanted to quit the post, the lawyer said, "Habib told me that my decision to represent Baig has not gone down well with the state party bosses and it would be better if I submit my resignation."

The terror attack that took place at the Pune eatery on February 13 claimed 17 lives.