Uncertain Future Stares at 1993 Mumbai Blasts Convicts

Though a string of high-profile attacks have since rattled the city, which has emerged as the favourite target of various terrorist organisations, the 1993 bombings were Mumbai's first experience with modern-day terrorism. A total of 257 persons were killed and 713 others injured when a series 13 coordinated explosions shattered the metropolis on March 12, 1993. Property worth Rs 28 crore was destroyed in the explosions in which RDX was used for the first time in the country.

The blasts occurred at 12 places including Bombay Stock Exchange building, Air-India Building at Nariman Point, at Worli opposite Century Bazaar, Hotels Sea Rock and Juhu Centaur. As many as 100 accused, including Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, were convicted for their complicity.

Of them, 12 were awarded death penalty and 20 were given life sentence. Mohammed Iqbal, who got death sentence, died in jail after prolonged illness while SN Thapa, a former Customs officer, who was given life term, also passed away. However, the chief plotters of one of the deadliest terror attacks - underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon - are said to be sheltered in safe havens in Pakistan.

Most of the 100 convicts have filed appeals in the Supreme Court which has heard CBI and the defence and reserved orders. The CBI has pleaded for enhancement of punishment of 57 convicts.

The TADA Court had acquitted 23 accused. Among them were Raheen Memon, wife of prime accused Yakub Memon, Suleiman Memon, Tiger Memon's brother and Hanifa Memon, his mother.

The State challenged the acquittal of 17 accused in the Supreme Court which is yet to pronounce its verdict. Of the 20 who were given life sentence, one died and two got bail.

Seventeen are serving life sentence in jail along with 11 who got death penalty. The rest of the accused who were convicted are currently on bail and awaiting Supreme Court judgement on their appeals. If their sentence is confirmed, they will have to surrender and go back to jail.

Also Read: India's Deadliest Terror Attacks Till Today