The NIA chargesheet on the Samjhauta Express blasts traces the events from the plotting to the actual attack. Excerpts from the 25-page chargesheet, transcribed by Bhartesh Singh Thakur

Vengeance

Aseemanand was upset about Islamic jihadi/terrorist attacks on Hindu temples like Akshardham (Gujarat), Raghunath Mandir (Jammu) and Sankat Mochan Mandir (Varanasi). He expressed his anger during discussions with Sunil Joshi, Pragya Singh and Bharat Bhai. All of them discussed the attacks and over time, they developed (a desire for) vengeance not only against the misguided jihadi terrorists but against the whole Muslim community. Aseemanand put forward a "bomb ka badla bomb" theory.

Bharat Bhai had met Aseemanand in 1999 and become a close disciple of his. It was during 2003 that Aseemanand met Pragya and Joshi and they became very close.

Early meetings

In October 2005, Indresh Kumar (RSS leader) and others visited Shabri Dham, Gujarat. Joshi arranged a meeting between Aseemanand and Indresh. They discussed jihadi attacks on Hindu places of worships and the need to give a befitting reply.

In March 2006, after the blast at Sankat Mochan, Joshi and Aseemanand held a meeting at Shabri Dham. Aseemanand said they should no longer tolerate such attacks and exhorted them to retaliate with attacks on Islamic religious sites. Joshi informed him that he had some boys capable of such actions, but he added that undertaking any such mission would incur heavy expenses, logistic arrangements. He said that for procuring raw materials for explosives, arms and ammunition and other items, he required not only money but also Aseemanand's connections. Aseemanand readily agreed.

Funds

Aseemanand gave Rs 25,000 in cash to Joshi and directed him to visit, along with Bharat Bhai, several places in UP and Jharkhand to meet some resourceful Hinduvadi leaders. Joshi teased Aseemanand, "What will this Rs 25,000 do; it will only meet travel Bharat Bhai's and my travel expenses." When Aseemanand expressed an inability to give more, Joshi said, "Just give us your blessings, there are others who will provide the money for the job."

... contd.

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