Blast convict wants to sell off kidney to fund defence

Hanif Sayed, who along with his wife Fahmida was sentenced to death for their role in 2003 Gateway of India blast, wants to sell off his kidney to raise money for legal defence, his lawyer said.

Hanif Sayed, who along with his wife Fahmida was sentenced to death for their role in 2003 Gateway of India blast, wants to sell off his kidney to raise money for legal defence, his lawyer said.

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"He wrote to me last week saying that he wants to auction one of his kidneys to pay the lawyers," advocate Sushant Kunjuraman told PTI on Thursday.

"I am going to file a petition in the High Court, seeking direction to the government that Sayed be allowed to sell his kidney," Kunjuraman said.

Sayed was a taxi driver by profession before his arrest.

Sayed, his wife, and one Arshad Ansari were convicted by the court last year for carrying out twin blasts -- at Gateway and Zaveri Bazar -- which killed 54 people.

Their appeals are pending before the High Court.

"Since he is in jail, if he wants to sell his kidney, government's permission is required," Kunjuraman said.

Under the Indian law, no human organ can be removed from a living donor unless it is intended for a close relative. Organ transplants require the consent of government-appointed committees, and no organ can be sold.