1993 Mumbai blast: Tiger Memon's aide gets lifer

Mumbai, June 14: The designated TADA court today sentenced Salim Rahim Shaikh, a close aide of prime accused Tiger Memon, to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 140,000 for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that had claimed 257 lives and left over 700 injured.

The court also sentenced two women -- Zaibunisa Qazi and Mobina Baya Bhiwandiwala -- to five years rigorous imprisonment.

Salim Rahim Shaikh, alias Salim Bazarwalla, was found guilty of undergoing weapons training in Pakistan and also filling the vehicles with RDX.

Salim Shaikh had also driven the car, carrying co-convicts, to the Mahim fishermen's colony here, where hand grenades were hurled at the fishermen killing three of them and injuring six others.

Shaikh, in his confessional statement, had said he had chosen to drive the car as he was not adept at throwing hand grenades.

Among the other offences, he had also been found in possession of a 9mm revolver.

UNI