The Special TADA Court on Thursday sentenced three more Tiger Memon aides to death in the 1993 serial blasts case. Two of them—Asgar Mukadam and Shahnawaz Qureshi—planted bombs that killed 10 persons at Plaza Cinema in Dadar and the third—Shoaib Ghansar—parked an RDX-laden scooter at Zaveri Bazaar where 17 persons died in the explosion.

The death sentences will be subject to confirmation by the Supreme Court.

• Asgar Mukadam, 48

Special Judge P D Kode first called Mukadam to the dock. He was the first accused arrested in the case and his statement to then Deputy Commissioner of Police Rakesh Maria, who cracked the case, led to many arrests. Mukadam worked for Tiger Memon as an accountant.

Mukadam not only parked an RDX-laden Maruti van—which exploded at 3.13 pm—at Plaza Cinema, he also drove three others—convicts Mustaq Tarani and Parvez Shaikh and absconding accused Anwar Theba—to Centaur Hotel in Juhu, Airport Centaur and Hotel Sea Rock in Bandra where the three planted bombs. Mukadam was also present when RDX was being filled into vehicles a day before the blasts at Al-Hussaini building in Mahim.

Mukadam had argued that since he was employed with Memon, he was “bound to do what his master said”. Judge Kode said: “The principle of agency is not applicable. Tiger Memon was involved in smuggling and he joined him knowingly.” The judge sentenced Mukadam to death on three counts—conspiracy, commission of a terrorist act causing death and murder.

• Shahnawaz Qureshi

... contd.