Parvez Shaikh convicted for Katha Bazaar blast

Mumbai, Sep 21 (UNI) A designated TADA court today convicted Parvez Shaikh, for planting a bomb at the Katha Bazaar, on March 12, 1993, which killed four people and injured 21 besides damaging property worth Rs 40 lakh.

Shaikh, who was accused number 12 in the 1993 serial blast accused list, was found guilty of causing the explosion at Katha Bazaar in Pydhonie area here, by parking a RDX-laden scooter there.

He was found guilty of planting explosives-laden suitcases at Sea Rock Hotel at Bandra. The subsequent explosions caused damage to property, however, but no lives were lost.

He was convicted under various sections of the TADA, Explosive Substances Act, Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act.

Shaikh, in his confessional statement before Deputy Commissioner of Police K L Bishnoi, had admitted to these crimes. He, however, later retracted, claiming that his statement was given under duress and recorded against his wish.

TADA Judge PD Kode while pronouncing his verdict accepted the confessional statement of Shaikh, based on the other corraborative evidences, which were produced before the court by the prosecution. He was also indentified by the two injured eye-witnesses in an test identification parade, held in the court-room.

The court will decide the quantum of punishment later after recording his statement and hearing the prosecution and defence's arguments.

UNI XR-WD YA DS1250