The Air India trial resumed Monday, with prosecutors trying to prove there was a British Columbia-based conspiracy to bomb jetliners in the name of Sikh independence.

The two men accused of murdering the passengers and crew of Air India flight 182 were arrested almost three years ago, but their trial is only now beginning to hear evidence related to the alleged bomb plot.

Ripudaman Singh Mallik and Ajaib Singh Bagri
Ripudaman Singh Mallik and Ajaib Singh Bagri

The trial is so large and complex that the lawyers have divided it into five parts. The first two sections this past spring dealt with the purchase of two airline tickets in 1985, and then the mid-air explosion of flight 182 with the loss of 329 lives.

Prosecutors say they will now demonstrate that Ripudaman Singh Mallik and Ajaib Singh Bagri were part of a conspiracy involving other B.C. Sikh's to bomb the airliner.

The key witness will be Interjit Singh Reyat, who, in exchange for receiving a reduced sentence, admitted he purchased the parts for the bomb. Reyat has always maintained he doesn't know any details of the bomb plot, but prosecutors apparently believe his evidence is necessary to convince the judge that Bagri and Mallik were involved.

Reyat will testify on Wednesday.

Later this fall, the court will hear from a witness whose name is protected by a publication ban. Prosecutors say the woman will be the critical element in their case.