Court Orders Enhanced Police Security for 1993 Mumbai Bomb Blast Case Approver

A sessions court on Wednesday instructed Mumbai Police to ensure adequate security for an approver in the 1993 serial bomb blast case and his family. Sessions court judge V D Kedar highlighted that the man is a key prosecution witness and prime approver, with the trial of seven recently arrested individuals set to begin soon.

The court emphasised that the applicant's testimony might be needed for cross-examination by the accused. "Thus, looking at the above facts and circumstances of the case, I am of the view that the applicant and his family members need to be provided sufficient security," said Judge Kedar. The police were ordered to provide security as per the Witness Protection and Security Act promptly, with a compliance report due within two weeks.

Security Concerns for Key Witness

The man had initially been charged in the 1993 bomb blasts case but was later pardoned and became an approver. He played a significant role in providing detailed information about the crime's perpetrators, aiding the investigation, and identifying accused individuals during the trial. His testimony led to several convictions.

He filed an application requesting increased police protection due to threats to his and his family's lives. The man claimed he faced hostility from both his Muslim community and high-profile accused individuals. Initially, he was given 25 police personnel for protection, but this was later reduced to one.

Request for Enhanced Security

The man sought security under the Witness Protection and Security Act, asking for at least five police personnel from the CBI for his protection. He stated that multiple requests to the CBI had gone unanswered. The police informed the court that in March 2024, it was ordered by the city police commissioner to provide three personnel from the Protection branch and four from another division.

The applicant's request for additional security will be reviewed later, according to the police. On March 12, 1993, twelve bombs exploded at various locations in Mumbai, resulting in 257 deaths and over 700 injuries. A total of 123 individuals were arrested, with many more listed as absconding.

Impact of 1993 Bomb Blasts

A special court convicted 100 of those arrested. Some absconding accused were later apprehended, with their trials scheduled separately. The man's involvement as a prosecution witness has been crucial in these proceedings.

The court's directive aims to ensure the safety of a key witness whose testimony has been instrumental in securing convictions in one of India's most significant criminal cases. The compliance report from Mumbai Police will be crucial in assessing whether adequate measures have been implemented.