Defence begins arguments on sentencing in 1993 Mumbai blasts case

Abu Salem

The defence began their arguments on Wednesday on sentencing in the 1993 blasts case, in a TADA court, which has convicted six of seven accused, including gangster Abu Salem. The defence lawyer told the court that Tiger Memon took advantage of the accused and involved them in the conspiracy.

Defence lawyer Sudeep Pasbola begin arguing on the sentence for Taher Merchant. The CBI Counsel last week had sought the death sentence for him. Pasbola argued that Merchant's role cannot be compared to Yakub Memon's. He did not have control over the conspiracy. Pasbola further argued that Tiger took advantage of other accused including Merchant, and involved them in the offence.

Also read - Mumbai: In the absence of death, CBI seeks lifer for Abu Salem

Pasbola said that Merchant had sheltered the accused on the directions of Tiger. He was not present during the meeting where the conspiracy was hatched. Merchant is not a mastermind or owned a post of authority. He was the lowest rung. He had no contacts with ISI or other forces of Pakistan as alleged by the prosecution. The arguments are likely to continue on Thursday.

Also read - 1993 Mumbai serial blasts: All you need to know about the 7 accused

Another case against Salem?
Pasbola, who also represe-nted Abu Salem, told court that when Salem was extradited, he only had nine cases in which he would be tried. But Lajpat Nagar Police station has been constantly asking for his custody for an unlisted case. The court then ordered the Delhi Police Commissioner and a senior official of Lajpat Nagar police to write their say on this and inform it.