A special TADA court on Friday convicted 1993 Mumbai serial blasts accused Firoz khan under charges of conspiracy and murder under sections of the IPC, TADA and Explosives Act. Co-accused Mustafa Dossa was convicted of conspiracy, murder and terror activities.
The court found five including Abu Salem of the seven accused guilty of conspiracy, convicted Riaz Siddiqui under TADA for other charges but not conspiracy, and acquitted Abdul Qayyum of all charges.
According to recent reports, Tahir Merchant and Karimullah Khan were also convicted.
The trial involved seven accused, including gangster Abu Salem. The terror attacks left 257 people dead, 713 seriously injured and destroyed property worth ₹27 crore.The special Mumbai TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) court today found Mustafa Dossa, Abu Salem, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Tahir Merchant and Karimullah Shaikh guilty of conspiracy in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.
The court found Mustafa Dossa, Abu Salem, Tahir Merchant and Firoz Khan to be “among the main conspirators” of the case. Accused Riaz Siddiqui has been convicted under TADA and other charges, but not for conspiracy. The court acquitted Abdul Qayyum of all charges and ordered his release ‘on personal bond’.
The designated court of Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) (TADA) Act will pronounce its verdict against the seven accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts today. On March 12, 1993, a series of 12 blasts rocked Mumbai, killing 257 people and injuring 713 others.
The accused are Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Karimullah Shaikh, Mohammad Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya and Abdul Qayyum. Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi concluded the arguments in July 2016. While 4 were found guilty the punishment has to be decided soon.
12.57 pm: Accused Karimullah Shaikh is convicted. He was held on August 21, 2008, and charged with smuggling arms into the country through the Shekhadi coast of Raigad district.
12. 50 pm: The court held that Tahir facilitated the supply of arms and the training of the accused in Pakistan. It termed his role “communal” and said he was one of the initiators of the conspiracy. “With this kind of indulgence, he must be held directly responsible,” held the court.
12.49 pm: Accused Tahir Merchant is found guilty.
