Reuters AlertNet Lite - Prosecution demands death for 44 in Mumbai blasts

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Prosecution demands death for 44 in Mumbai blasts

15 Feb 2007 12:54:24 GMT
Source: Reuters

MUMBAI, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Indian prosecutors sought the death sentence on Thursday for 44 people convicted of carrying out a series of bombings in Mumbai in 1993, and life terms for another 45 for complicity.

The prosecution also asked for a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison for Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt for buying illegal arms from the gangsters involved in the bombings that killed 257 people.

Police said the multiple attacks on the Bombay Stock Exchange, a cinema and a crowded market were plotted by India's most wanted man, Dawood Ibrahim, to avenge the razing of a historic mosque by Hindu zealots in 1992.

Indian officials say Ibrahim, a Muslim, is believed to be hiding in Pakistan.

The court last year found 100 people, mostly Muslims, guilty in connection with the blasts but set another 23 free.

Prosecution lawyer Ujjal Nikam, wrapping up his arguments in a 13-year-old trial, said the death penalty was sought for those who had conspired in the bombings or had planted the explosives.

He said the prosecution had asked a special anti-terrorism court to award the life sentence to 45 people for aiding the attack. It left the quantum of punishment for two ailing women, also convicted of abetting the crime, to the court.

The remaining nine people, including Dutt, had been convicted for violating customs and arms acts, offences that can fetch jail terms between three and 10 years.

"For these nine people we have asked for the maximum punishment they can be given under the sections they have been charged with," Nikam said.

Dutt, 47, known for his roles as a gangster with a heart of gold, has been convicted of illegally procuring an AK-56 rifle and a pistol from criminals connected with the 1993 blasts.

Dutt's lawyers have said the actor -- who is on bail after spending more than a year in jail during initial investigations -- should be given the benefit of probation and not sent to jail as he was a first-time offender and his conduct during the 13-year trial has been good.

Nikam said the court had given the defence until February 23 to argue against the sentences sought by the prosecution.

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Last updated:Thu Feb 15 12:56:00 2007