Special Court delivers verdict in Mumbai serial blast case of 2002-03

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Minutes earlier, a special Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) court delivered its verdict on the three horrifying blasts that rocked the city between December 2002 and March 2003. The three blasts – one in a McDonald’s outlet at Mumbai Central station, second at Mulund and third at Ville Parle – collectively claimed lives of 13 and left hundreds injured.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad had filed a combined charge-sheet for these blasts’ cases. Police had charged the 13 accused with offences under POTA, Explosive Substances Act and offences of ‘preparation to wage war against the nation’ and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.

POTA Judge P R Deshmukh examined 153 civilian witnesses and 26 defence witnesses. After hearing their statements, the court found 10 accused, guilty. 3 others have been acquitted of all charges.

The quantum of sentence for the acquitted will be declared on Wednesday.