As soon as the Bombay high court ruling upholding the death sentence of Hanif Sayed Anees, his wife, Fehmida, and associate Ashrat Ansari — convicted in the blasts at Zaveri Bazaar and the Gateway of India in 2003, came out, Suresh Walishetty, chief investigating officer of the case and retired assistant commissioner of police, was swamped with congratulatory messages. After all, it was his thorough investigation that helped trace the suspects and present a watertight case in court. DNA gets it straight from the horse’s mouth.
What was your reaction to the HC ruling?
I am very happy with the judgment. Justice has been done to all those affected by the blasts. We had worked hard on this case. It is for the first time that a married couple will be hanged in a terror case.
What was your first move after the blasts?
The taxi driver who had dropped the couple at the Gateway of India was the prime witness. He gave us a description of the culprits, after which we combed the entire Andheri area and managed to nab all those involved in the attacks. We arrested them within five days of the blasts.
Why is this case special to you?
When the trial started, I retired from service and for two-and-a-half years, I was provided a house, a vehicle and a driver by the department. I am the first officer in the history of the Mumbai police who got all these facilities post-retirement because of this case.
Any bitter feelings?
After the blasts, then home minister Chhagan Bhujbal announced that a cash reward and a one-step promotion would be given to the team that cracked the case. But nothing has been done to date.
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