TADA trial adjourned after Dossa’s death

The CBI on Wednesday informed the special TADA court about the demise of 1993 blast convict Mustafa Dossa, for whom the agency had sought capital punishment on Tuesday. The court is hearing arguments on the quantum of sentencing for the blast case convicts.

The agency informed Judge Govind Sanap that Dossa suffered a cardiac arrest and was declared dead by JJ Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

Addressing the court, CBI counsel Deepak Salvi said, “Early morning, when he started becoming restless, he was admitted to JJ Hospital and was then put on ventilator. It is very sad news as this was not expected since he never complained of pain or being restless. He even wished me on Eid.”

Salvi added that he was disturbed by the sudden demise of Dossa, and was not in a position to argue the matter on Wednesday. In response, the judge said, “I am shocked. In view of the request made by the prosecution, the trial is adjourned to Friday.”

Addressing the defence lawyers, the court said, “I have taken more care of the accused than you lawyers. There is a difference between a criminal and human being. The court convicts a criminal and not a human. Everyone here is disturbed because of the incident.”

After the adjournment was sought, Dossa’s brother, Haroon Merchant, filed an application pleading the court to direct JJ Hospital authorities to hand over Dossa’s body to him without conducting a post mortem. The court, however, granted him permission to take possession of the body after completion of the post mortem.

Following news of Dossa’s death, police security was stepped up outside his residence in Agripada with access to the area barricaded.  Dossa’s family members said they were in shock and claimed they were not informed when he was taken to JJ Hospital. Dossa’s son Shahnawaz said, “ He was admitted yesterday night, but neither the police nor the hospital informed us. He was ill, but the judge did not gave any order to take him to the hospital. The court did not even allow us to meet him. I blame the police and hospital.”