Mumbai:
The arguments over the quantum of sentence in the 7/11 local train blasts will continue on Tuesday in a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act or MCOCA Court in Mumbai, 188 people died and over 800 people were injured in the 2006 blasts.
Last Friday, the special court convicted 12 of the 13 people allegedly belonging to the Students Islamic Movement of India or SIMI, while one was acquitted. Arguments on their quantum of sentence began today after the convicts recorded their statement.
One of the bomb planters, Ehtesham Kutubuddin Siddiqui told the court, "I have educated myself while in jail. I am currently pursuing my second year of LLB. I come from a poor family and my brothers couldn't continue their education. There is no one to take care of my family."
Asif Khan, who has also been convicted in the case told the court, "I have read 27 books on Mahatma Gandhi from the jail library and this has brought several positive changes in me. I have also donated blood 12 times because of this change. I have developed the power to forgive and forgive the ATS that despite being innocent they falsely implicated me and fabricated evidence."
The defence counsel moved three applications. The first application sought the medical reports of the accused, in order to convince the court that they were suffering from brain tumor and psychiatric problems. The defence argued that these reports will convince the court that they do not deserve the death penalty. The court has called for medical reports.
Another application calling for a probation officer's report was also moved, which will decided by the court tomorrow.
The third application is on evidence on mitigating circumstances that the defence hopes will save the convicts from being awarded the death penalty. Witnesses in connection with this application, including a jail teacher from Indira Gandhi National Open University, have been asked to remain present on Tuesday when the court will decide on this.