MUMBAI, July 18: An Indian anti-terrorism court on Wednesday awarded death sentence to three Muslims in cases involving the country’s worst bomb explosions. Pervez Nasir Sheikh, Abdul Gani Ismail Turq and Mushtaq Tarani were convicted of planting several bombs, part of 13 explosions that killed 257 people in 1993 in Mumbai.

Turq was convicted of planting a high-explosive bomb in a vehicle in a crowded market in the heart of the city. The blast killed 113 people, making the attack deadliest of the 13 blasts. Sheikh was convicted of planting two bombs that killed four people.

The convicts listened to the court’s judgement with their heads down. Sheikh was seen holding prayer beads and praying softly. He stopped once the sentences were announced. Turq tried to speak to some newsmen, but was not allowed by police.

Out of 100 people convicted in the 14-year-long trial, 81 people have so far been awarded different punishments including jail-terms and fines for planning, abetting and illegal possession of arms. A film producer, policemen, customs officials, smugglers and petty criminals are included among the convicts.

Police claim that the bombings of Mumbai landmarks, including the main stock exchange, were planned by India’s most-wanted person, Dawood Ibrahim, to avenge the demolition of the historic Babri mosque by Hindu hardliners in 1992.—Reuters