S P O T L I G H T

3 militants killed in J&K blast
SRINAGAR, Aug 3 (PTI) — Three militants were among four persons killed when an explosive device they were carrying went off accidently in a house in Rajouri district today, an official spokesman said. The incident took place in Darhal sector of the district when four militants entered the house of Mohammed Akram in Darhal sector of the district, he said adding that the houseowner was also killed in the blast. A civilian was injured in the explosion which badly damaged the house. However, the fourth militant fled from the scene.

Thackeray case
MUMBAI, Aug 3 (PTI) — The Maharashtra Government today filed an appeal in the Mumbai High Court challenging the July 25 order of a magistrate who closed the case against Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and two more for alleged inflammatory writings in the party mouthpiece “Saamna” in early 1993. The state has retained P.R. Vakil to argue the matter as special public prosecutor. The appeal is likely to come up before Justice Vishnu Sahai.