KOCHI: A special NIA court here on Monday convicted 18 people in the December 2007 Wagamon SIMI arms training camp case.

The court also acquitted 17 others.

Special Judge Kauser Edappagath found the convicts guilty under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Explosives Substances Act and various sections of Indian Penal Code.

The court will pronounce the quantum of punishment tomorrow.

Out of a total 38 accused, 35 faced trial in the case. Mehaboob Malik , one of the accused, was shot dead while trying to escape from a jail in Bhopal.

The case was investigated on the basis of complaint that a secret training camp was organised allegedly by Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) at Thangalpara, Wagamon in the state during December, 2007.

They organised a secret training camp at Thangalpara, Wagamon within the limits of Mundakayam Police Station, Kottayam (Kerala).

The NIA agency alleged that the SIMI cadres were involved in physical training, arms training, firing practices, manufacture of bombs/petrol bombs, motor bike racing and rope climbing practices in the camp.

