Indian Mujahideen (IM) operative Mirza Himayat Inayat Baig (33), the lone convicted accused in the 2010 German Bakery blast which killed 17 and injured 64 was handed the death sentence by a Pune city court on five counts — conspiracy, murder, unlawful association, terrorist act and causing an explosion.
The court of additional sessions judge Neeraj Dhote observed that the case fell under the “rarest of rare” category, warranting the death penalty. This is for the first time that the death sentence has been given on five counts to an accused in a terrorism case. The death sentence is subject to confirmation of the Bombay high court.
Baig was also sentenced to life imprisonment on five counts — conspiracy, being a member of a terrorist group under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, attempt to commit murder under the Indian Penal Code, causing explosion and possessing explosive substances under the Explosive Substances Act.
Baig did not initially react to the verdict but later fainted in the court room. He was offered water and sent to the Yerawada central jail.
Reacting to the verdict, senior lawyer A Rehman, who represented Baig, said he will file an appeal in the Bombay high court. He reiterated that his client was in Aurangabad on the day of the blast.
On the other hand, special public prosecutor Raja Thakare said he was satisfied with the verdict and that he was happy to have proved the charges of terrorist act and conspiracy.
The court on Monday had pronounced Baig guilty of conspiracy, murder and other charges in the case and had reserved the sentencing for Thursday. There was unprecedented security in the court when Baig was produced for the sentencing.
DEATH ON 5 COUNTS
• Sec 16(1)(a) of UAPA: Committing terrorist act which results in death
• Sec 10(b) of UAPA: Participating in meeting of unlawful association
• Sec 120(b) of IPC: Criminal conspiracy
• Sec 302: Punishment for murder
• Sec 3(b) of Explosive Substances Act:
No comments:
Post a Comment