Memon brothers withdraw bail plea

MUMBAI: The three Memon brothers, convicted for their role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, have withdrawn their bail plea a week before the special court commences sentencing.

The three brothers of prime conspirator Tiger Memon - Yakub, Essa and Yusuf - had moved the bail plea some time back on medical grounds.

However, their counsel Subhash Kanse, who moved the plea, decided to withdraw it with the consent of their clients Friday evening and Special TADA Court Judge PD Kode allowed the move.

Talking to IANS on Saturday, Kanse confirmed the development.

The trio have been convicted for criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code as also for aiding and abetting terror under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in their role in the March 12, 1993 serial blasts that killed 257 people in the city.

The central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has demanded maximum punishment for them.

The other member of the Memon family who has been convicted is Rubina Memon. The court has granted her time to surrender on compassionate grounds and she remains on bail after being found guilty.

The special court will start pronouncing the sentence on 100 convicts May 18.