MUMBAI, 21 November 2006 — Ejaz Pathan and Dawood Khan, close confidants of Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, the alleged prime conspirator of the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, were yesterday convicted of their role in the attack by a special anti-terror court.
Announcing the verdict in a packed courtroom, Judge P.D. Kode said he was convinced about the involvement of the two in the serial blasts based on the material produced before him by the prosecution. The court cancelled the bail bond of Dawood and ordered the police to take him into custody. Ejaz has been in jail since his deportation from the United Arab Emirates in February 2003.
Ejaz was found guilty of participating in conspiratorial meetings in Dubai with Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon and others where plans were discussed and formulated for executing terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Ejaz was also held guilty of participating and assisting Tiger Memon and other accused in the smuggling of arms and ammunition into the country.
The court also held Ejaz guilty on other counts that included making arrangements for the travel of other conspirators to Pakistan from Dubai for receiving training in handling of arms and ammunition and for possessing three AK-56 assault rifles and nine magazines.
Dawood Khan was held guilty of concealing arms and ammunition given by Ejaz.
