India BJP Leaders Face Conspiracy Trial in 1992 Babri Mosque Case

TEHRAN (IQNA) – India’s top court said several senior leaders of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party will stand trial for their role in a criminal conspiracy to destroy a 16th century mosque in 1992.

 

The Supreme Court said Wednesday that the trial will held in the northern city of Lucknow and should wrap up in two years, AP reported.

A lower court had earlier dropped conspiracy charges against senior party leaders including L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti.

Hindu groups claim the Babri Mosque was built after a temple dedicated to the Hindu god King Rama was destroyed by Muslim invaders.

The destruction of the mosque sparked riots across India that left at least 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, dead.