1993 blasts accused Salim Kutta threatens co-accused

MUMBAI: A 1993 bomb blasts accused on Tuesday created a flutter in the midst of proceedings in a trial court here by complaining to the judge that a co-accused had "threatened" to kill him.

As the court was recording statements of convicts in the case on the quantum of sentence, Nasim Barmare told TADA court Judge P D Kode that co-accused Salim Mira Shaikh alias Salim Kutta had threatened to kill him.

"He wants to kill me and has threatened him. Please stop him ...said a well-built Barmare".

The judge asked defence lawyer Farhana Shah to take both the accused outside the court and warn them to behave properly or else he would take a stern view of their attitude.

While Barmare has been convicted, Salim Kutta is awaiting verdict.

Kutta is charged with facilitating the landing of arms and ammunition in coastal Raigad district of Maharashtra at the instance of absconding accused Mohammed Dossa.

Of the 123 accused facing the trial, 26 have been convicted. Several others, including actor Sanjay Dutt, are on bail, while about 22 are in jail.

Those on bail are exempted from personal appearance until further orders while the accused in custody are required to be present every day for the verdict being delivered in phases since last month.