Mumbai: The public prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case on Monday told a special TADA court that he would seek maximum punishment prescribed in the law for the six convicts. The court is currently hearing arguments to decide the quantum of punishment for the six 1993 Mumbai blasts convicts. Meanwhile, the high court allowed one of the convicts Firoz Khan’s application seeking examination of up to three witnesses who can furnish information that can work as mitigating factors to reduce his sentence.
The court also directed Taloja jail officials to submit the medical record of Firoz Khan to examine if he is suffering from diabetes. The court has also directed probation officer to submit a report of Khan’s conduct in jail.
“We will seek the maximum punishment prescribed under the law for the convicts,” special CBI Counsel Deepak Salvi told the court. The defence lawyer Sudeep Passbola told the court that prosecution should make its arguments first, as they need to know the aggravating circumstances put forth by the prosecution. However, the court said that it would decide about the issue later.
Firoz Khan moved four applications in the court. His lawyer Wahab Khan first moved an application seeking an adjournment for two weeks and to prepare for the argument. However, the court rejected his plea.
Khan also moved another application, seeking examination of witnesses. He said that he wants to call two to three inmates from the Taloja jail. The court directed Khan to start examination from Tuesday.
The court also allowed another application of Khan, which sought direction for a probation officer to submit a report regarding his conduct. Khan also sought the medical report from the Taloja jail superintendent to prove that he is suffering from diabetes. The court will also decide on request made by Mustafa Dossa’s lawyer seeking the copy of the judgment on Tuesday. Abu Salem’s lawyer Sudeep Pasbola told the court that he would not bring any witnesses.
The special TADA court on Friday had convicted six persons including mastermind Mustafa Dossa and extradited gangster Abu Salem in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.
Applications made by Firoz Khan
- Medical records to prove he is suffering from diabetes
- Two-three witnesses to request lesser punishment
- Two weeks for preparation of arguments
- Report of probation officer regarding his conduct.
