Prosecution drops death penalty demand for Abu Salem in builder's murder

The prosecution in the builder Pradeep Jain murder case on Friday changed its stand and demanded life sentence for underworld operative Abu Salem. Earlier, it had demanded death sentence for salem.

The change of heart comes in the backdrop of the defence highlighting the agreement between New Delhi and Lisbon when Salem was extradited from Portugal.

The special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) court presided over by judge Govind Sanap has convicted Salem and two others for their role in the killing of Jain. The arguments for their sentencing is currently underway.

Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said the extradition treaty doesn't allow the death penalty, but the case qualifies for imprisonment till end of natural life. "Meanwhile, the court will now have to consider that the legislature being separate from the judiciary, whether the executive assurance can bind the judicial pronouncement. If it does, then it amounts to interference in judicial proceedings."

However, the prosecution was firm with its demand for capital punishment for the other convicts – Mehendi Hassan and V K Jhamb.

Referring to Hassan, Nikam said, "He was not just the driver of Salem, but the controller of chariot of death. Their main object was to strike terror in the minds of the builder community of India." The matter will be heard next on February 23.