MUMBAI: Samir Hingora, the film producer convicted for distributing three AK-56 rifles to film actor Sanjay Dutt was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for nine years and a fine of Rs. 2 lakh. Apart from Hingora, the special court pronounced sentences on four more accused including Niyaz, one of the conspirators, who was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Sanjay Dutt and the other co-accused, who are on bail, had come to the special court on Friday. Sanjay Dutt sat in his usual far corner of the courtroom though did not sport his trademark blue shirt. When Special Judge P.D. Kode allowed the accused on bail to leave if they wish, all the women on bail left but Sanjay Dutt and his group stayed on. They waited till sentences for Hingora, their onetime friend, and other accused were announced.

Judge Kode observed that although Hingora was found guilty under the conspiracy charge, his role did not extend to the serial blasts. "Hingora was concerned with distribution of arms and ammunition in notified area of Mumbai and he was in touch with Anees Ibrahim and Anees Ahmed," he said. He said there was no evidence to prove the prosecution charge of booking air tickets for Yakub Memon. He also added that he was taking into consideration the fact that Hingora is a heart patient and hence sentenced him to nine years RI and Rs. 2 lakh fine. He was convicted under sections 120- b (criminal conspiracy) and section 3 (3) of the Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act.

He has served around six years as an under trial and will have to serve little over three years.

The court sentenced Niyaz Ahmed Sheikh to rigorous imprisonment for life and a fine of Rs.25, 000. The court observed that he was part of the conspiracy till the very end and had surveyed the BMC building in South Mumbai as a possible target. At the time of offence Niyaz was around 19 years of age and is one of the youngest convicted in the case.

Farooq Motorwala was sentenced to 13 years and a fine of Rs. 25, 000. He had travelled to Dubai for receiving training on a fictitious passport. However, the court observed that there was no evidence to prove his role after February 27 1993. He has served almost the same period as an undertial and may be able to get out after payment of fine. Gulam Hafiz Sheikh was sentenced to eight years and a fine of Rs. 10,000 for his involvement in transport of the contraband. The court noted that he had received a meagre amount of Rs. 1,000 for this job.

Sheikh Mohammad Ehtesham was sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a total fine of Rs. 50, 000 for his role in landing of arms and ammunition at Shekhadi. He had also gone to Dubai but had to return as arrangement for his training in Pakistan did not work out.

There was a scuffle between some kin of the accused and the police, outside the court premises. Those convicted in the last two days, were being taken to other jails in the State. The kin wanted to give them clothes and eatables but they were beaten up by the police.

The court received an envelope containing the report of the probation officers on the plea of four accused, including actor Sanjay Dutt.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail