1993 Mumbai serial blasts case: Here's a look at the deadly role played by the 6 convicts

The special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act court on Thursday sentenced convicts Feroz Khan and Tahir Merchant to death in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. Further, convicts Abu Salem and Karimullah Khan were sentenced to life imprisonment, while Riyaz Siddiqui was sentenced to 10 years in jail. Another prime accused Mustafa Dossa, passed away a few days after his conviction.

Here's a look at the role each of them played in the deadly 1993 Mumbai blasts which claimed the lives of 257 people and left over 700 injured.

These were the observations of Special Judge G A Sanap about roles of six convicts.

FIROZ ABDUL RASHID KHAN: 

The court rejected his defence that he was not Firoz Khan but one `Hamza.' The prosecution proved that he was a prominent and "trusted" member of the Dossa gang, and participated in all the "landings" of weapons effected by Dossa brothers in Raigad district.

Firoz was present for negotiations with customs officers for smooth landing of arms and ammunition. He, with "vengeful perseverance in his sinew with a view to carry the blueprint of the plan into reality spearheaded the pre-landing arrangements."

Prosecution has proved that he was one of the main conspirators, the judge held.

TAHIR MERCHANT:

The court held that Tahir too was amongst the main conspirators.

"The evidence proves the anguish, agitation and frustration expressed by Tahir due to situation prevailing in Bombay during the period of riots in January 1993," it noted.

He worked with (absconding conspirator) Tiger Memon, participated in several conspiracy meetings in Dubai. Tahir made travel arrangements, financed the stay and travel of several co-accused and facilitated their training in Pakistan, the court noted.

"The role of Tahir in conspiracy is prominent. He is one of the initiators of the conspiracy," said the judge.

ABU SALEM 

The court held that prosecution has proved that Salem was one of the main conspirators and he delivered three AK-56 rifles and ammunition and hand grenades to the actor Sanjay Dutt (convicted in earlier phase of trial under the Arms Act).

Salem, who was close to (Dawood's brother) Anees Ibrahim and Dossa, took upon of himself to bring a part of arms and ammunitions from Dighi to Mumbai, the court said.

This was "vital towards achievement of the conspiracy so that the weapons could be used to terrorise and torment innocent citizens of India," the court said.

KARIMULLA KHAN:

The court held that he was "number two" in (convict) Ejaz Pathan's gang.

Karimulla was present in meetings between Tiger Memon and Ejaz Pathan where "Tiger told them about the sufferings of Muslims... and the arrangement to be made for the landing of arms at Shekadi (beach) to take revenge against the government and the Hindus," the judge said.

Karimullah had knowledge of conspiracy, he helped in landing of arms and ammunition at Shekadi beach, and knew that Tiger Memon had arranged weapon training in Pakistan.

RIYAZ SIDDIQUI:

The court held that prosecution failed to prove the charge of conspiracy against him. He was convicted under TADA for helping Salem and others in transportation of arms.

MUSTAFA DOSSA

The court held that Dossa "actively, wilfully, deliberately and consciously" participated in the first meeting (held at residence of his elder brother Mohammed Dossa in Dubai) "which gave birth to the original design of the heinous criminal conspiracy to take revenge against the Government and the Hindus" for demolition of Babri Masjid.

"For achieving the object of the conspiracy he took the first step and sent arms and ammunition from Dubai and Pakistan to Dighi (in Raigad district) on January 9, 1993," the court said.

The two Dossa brothers made travel arrangements for the co-accused Feroz Khan and others to travel to Dubai and their stay. At the behest of (absconding accused) Dawood Ibrahim, Mustafa made arrangement for co-accused's travel to Pakistan for terror training, the court noted.

Dossa also gave some of the AK-56 rifles, which landed at Dighi, to (absconding conspirator) Tiger Memon. These weapons were used to impart training to several co-accused. The plan was to use these rifles to open fire at Mumbai civic body's (BMC) headquarters and other places to kill political leaders and senior police officials, the court said.

(With Agency Inputs)