Three convicts plead leniency

Mumbai, Oct 10 (UNI) Three convicts in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case today pleaded for lesser punishment, with two of them saying they were victims of circumstances, while the third said he was ashamed of his act.

Recording statements in the designated TADA court of Pramod Kode who had convicted them on October 6, Shahid Qureshi, found guilty of participating in landing of arms and explosives used in the blasts, said he had nothing to do with the crime but was forced to take the blame of his employer on himself because he was indebted to him for loaning money for themarriage of his sister in 1992.

Convert-educated Shahid said he worked in the travel agency of Aejaz Quereshi who, he alleged, was detained by the police but let off when he took his blame on himself and surrendered before the police.

He pleaded for leniency, saying he has already spent over ten years in jail.

Aejaz was also a prosecution witness in the case.

Another convict, Shaikh Ali, accused of participating in conspiracy and planting explosives at Shekhadi coast in Raigard and filling RDX in vehicles which exploded killing several people , said he was enticed into the crime by absconding accused Javed Chikna who promised to help him tide over financial crisis he faced in the aftermath of communal riots in the city which arose following the blasts.

Ali, a private motor mechanic-turned Central Railway's moulder, who was suspended following his arrest, urged the court to take a lenient view as he had already spent over 13 years in jail and has two minor children and wife to look after.

Stating that he was ashamed of the act, Parvez Qureshi, found guilty of arms training in Pakistan, pleaded for leniency on medical grounds and his good conduct when he was released on bail earlier on three occasions. Further stating Parvez said he was still suffering from multiple diseases and , therefore, should be given lesser punishment as he had already spent over a decade in jail.

While both Shahid Qureshi and Sheikh Ali were in custody when declared guilty, Parvez Sheikh was taken into custody after his bail bond was cancelled.

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