Yaqub awarded death, 3 Memons given lifer

Mumbai, July 27: The designated TADA Court here today awarded death penalty to Yaqub Memon, the brother of absconding prime accused Tiger Memon, and handed out life-imprisonment to three other members of his family for their active involvement in the 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai.

Sister-in-law of Tiger Memon, Rubina Memon and his two younger siblings Yususf Memon and Essa Memon were sentenced for life.

As soon as the sentence was pronounced on him, Yaqub turned violent and pointing towards TADA court Judge P D Kode said, ''Lord forgive him, for he knows not, what he has done.'' Even while he was being taken out of the court, he shouted, ''I do not trust this Court.'' Public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said contempt proceedings should be initiated against Yaqub, for making derogatory remarks against the Judge.

Adv Nikam also told the court that because of his violent behaviour, Yaqub should not be allowed to meet his family members.

The judge took note of the public prosecutor's contentions and Yaqub was disallowed from meeting his family members.

Adv Nikam also urged the court that an amount of Rs 1.04 crore, which was seized from the possession of Yaqub, be forfeited. The court asked the public prosecutor to move an application in this regard so that an appropriate order be passed.

After today's pronouncement of sentences, the court has so far awarded death penalty to twelve convicts and life to 20, out of the 100 accused who have been convicted in this case.

UNI