1993 Mumbai blasts: CBI seeks death sentences for Karimullah Shaikh, Tahir Merchant

Mumbai city news: 24 years have passed and victims’ families are waiting for the justice, said special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi

Days after seeking capital punishment for 1993 Mumbai blasts convicts Mustafa Dossa — who recently succumbed to cardiac arrest — and Firoz Khan, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought the death penalty for Karimullah Shaikh and Tahir Merchant.

Tahir Merchant was charged with making arrangements to send other convicts to Pakistan for training. (HT File Photo)

Shaikh and Merchant allegedly made transport arrangements for the co-accused who were trained in Pakistan. The prosecution alleged that the two also arranged for their passports.

Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi contended that they were key players in the conspiracy. “Shaikh had to shoulder the most responsibility. He shared a good rapport with the Pakistani spy agency ISI and Pakistani Army personnel. He said he had a good relationship with the airport authority,” Salvi argued.

The prosecution alleged that he attended all key conspiracy meetings. “Shaikh has attended conspiracy meetings at Dubai with Tiger Memon and other gangsters. He was responsible for making sure arms and ammunition landed at Shekhadi port,” the prosecution contended.

“Shaikh absconded for 15 years. He refused to co-operate with the court and investigating agencies even after his arrest. Now, 24 years have passed and victims’ families are waiting for the justice. Keeping that in mind, the CBI has sought death for both accused,” said Salvi.

Salvi said he will conclude his argument tomorrow. On Saturday, the court will argue on quantum of sentence for extradited gangster Abu Salem.