Pradeep Jain murder case: Salem to be sentenced Wednesday

The special Tada court has scheduled the sentencing of extradited gangster Abu Salem for Wednesday in the 1995 Pradeep Jain murder case.

The special Tada court has scheduled the sentencing of extradited gangster Abu Salem for Wednesday in the 1995 Pradeep Jain murder case.

Gangster-Abu-Salem-being-taken-away-by-the-police-File-Photo

On Monday, Sudeep Pasbola, Salem's advocate concluded his argument on the quantum of sentence to be awarded to the gangster and his driver Hassan. Pasbola contended that the court should fulfill the sovereign guarantee that India had given to Portugal while extraditing Salem.

He also added that the Indian government had assured the Portugal government that the treaty signed with them would not be violated. However, India's demand for capital punishment and then for life imprisonment also amounted to violation of the treaty. Pasbola pointed out that as per the treaty, Salem cannot be awarded sentence for more than 25 years nor can he be given capital punishment.

He said that the set off period for Salem should be counted from the date when his extradition process began in 2002, and not from the date he was brought to India and arrested in 2005

Meanwhile, the probation officer on Monday submitted his report on VK Jhamb's plea to pardon the 86-year-old builder accused of transferring money to Salem through hawala. Jhamb had filed an application saying he has been suffering from several ailments and he needs constant assistance. Hi advocate Shrikant Shivde had contended that he needs support medications which are unavailable in jail and hence, seeked his release on probation. The court had sought the report from probation officer.

The Tada court would on Wednesday pronounce the quantum of sentence to all the three accused on the basis of arguments advanced by the advocates.