Mumbai train blasts: Prosecution argues for death penalty

Putting the July 2006 Mumbai serial train blast case in the category of the rarest of the rare case, the prosecution on Tuesday began its arguments for capital punishment.

Putting the July 2006 Mumbai serial train blast case in the category of the rarest of the rare case, the prosecution on Tuesday began its arguments for capital punishment.

The prosecution said it will not seek capital punishment for all 12 convicts, and would take each case separately. Opening the arguments on Tuesday, special public prosecutor Raja Thakare said all accused are equally responsible for the terror attack.

“Where the gravity of the offence is concerned, the accused stand on the same platform. If we go by the principle that equally placed people should be treated equally, then everybody should get the death penalty. But, I will not pray for death for all. I will endeavour to classify who should not be considered for anything less than the death penalty,” Thakare said.

Defence counsel Yug Mohit Choudhary had on Tuesday maintained the key accused in the case is Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Azam Cheema, while the convicts just followed orders.

Countering this, Thakare said none of the convicts was dragged forcibly, with monetary temptation to commit the offence. They all are well-educated and mature to know what is right and wrong, he said.