Ties with ISI and independent role in serial blasts got Taher the noose

Merchant infused poison in assailants’ minds with provocative speeches

The special TADA court while handing over death to Taher Merchant, has held that he was one of the brains behind the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. The special court also held that Merchant had a close nexus with Pakistani intelligence (ISI) officers, who provided weapon training to the assailants who executed the blasts.

In his detailed judgement, Justice Govind Sanap said, “The evidence on record shows that Merchant was in contact with the people sitting in Pakistan, who were imparting training to the assailants sent to Pakistan, from India. There was a close nexus between Merchant and ISI agents from Pakistan.”

“Merchant had left no stone unturned to infuse poison in the minds of the assailants (from India) and to prepare them for taking revenge against Hindus in Bombay. He poisoned their minds with provocative speeches. Also, there was no reason for Merchant to ex press unnecessary and unwarranted anguish and frustration over the situation prevailing in Bombay during the communal riots. This reflects upon the radical nature and mindset of Merchant,” he said.

The special court also held that Merchant was neither under the thumb nor under direct control of absconding accused Tiger Memonnd that he rather participated in the conspiracy own volition by undertaking a very crucial role to take the object of conspiracy to its logical end.

“Merchant poured his heart and soul together to ensure that the conspiracy is taken to its logical end. His conduct shows that he would not take a sigh of relief unless revenge is taken from Hindus,” the court has said.

While justifying his decision to send Merchant to the gallows, Justice Sanap referred to the long lasting impact of the ‘diabolical’ blasts on the lives of the victims. The court has also noted the fact that RDX was used in the explosives that shook the city.

“This was for the first time after the Second World War, wherein RDX was used and this had caused massacre and disaster. Now when prepetrators have to face the consequences for their wrong doings, they are crying for justice. In my view, the punishment must be proportionate to the gravity of crime and death is the appropriate punishment,” Justice Sanap said.

In this photograph taken March 13, 1993, Indian officials inspect bomb damage in the basement of the Air India building, one of a series of bombs that rocked Mumbai that left more than 250 dead.