Prosecution seeks life sentence for Abu Salem

The prosecution on Tuesday sought life sentence for Abu Salem and Riyaz Siddiqui, two convicts in the 1993 blasts case that killed 257 people and injured 713.

Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi informed the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, that Salem was extradited from Portugal and under Section 34C (provision of life imprisonment for death penalty) of The Extradition Act.

Abu Salem Abdul Qayoom Ansari extradited from Portugal, is one of the main conspirators and was very close to the co-accused Anis Ibrahim Kaskar (Dawood Ibrahim’s brother). He was facilitating the transportation and supply of arms and ammunitions for intended terrorist activities. On the instructions of the absconding accused Anees Ibrahim Kaskar, delivered three AK-56 rifles, its magazines, ammunitions and hand grenades to actor Sanjay Dutt. Mr. Salvi said although he deserved death, life sentence was the maximum punishment that could be awarded to him as prescribed under the existing law.

Mr. Salvi also sought for life imprisonment for Siddiqui and said that he was a habitual offender as he had been tried for Pradip Jain murder case as well. He was working in close proximity with the main conspirators and worked zealously towards achievement of the objective of the conspiracy.