Man who delivered arms to Sanjay gets 9-y

Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said, "Today (June 1) the court has announced 5 sentences, the most important one being that of Magnum Video owner Sameer Hingora. He has been sentenced to 9 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 1 lakh. He had distributed AK-56 rifles on behalf of Anees Ibrahim and has been convicted under Section 33 of TADA and 120b of IPC."

On 18 Jan 1993, Sameer Hingora, Ibrahim Mussa alis Baba, a motor training school owner and Abu Salem distributed weapons on behalf of Anees Ibrahim (underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's brother) from which Sameer gave 3 AK-56 rifles and some hand grenades to Sanjay Dutt, who returned two rifles. He already had three licensed arms but wanted an automatic weapon.

Dutt had told the cops that he wanted to protect himself and his family from the communal riots after the Babri Masjid demolition. According to him, since his father was a politician, it made his family insecure. He felt they could be attacked by the mob and that was the only reason he kept the weapon.

Other sentences that were announced today (June 1):

Isthamm Sheikh convicted for 10 years

Faruk motor wala for 13 years and fine of Rs 25, 000

Niyazz Sheikh for life imprisonment.


• Gulam Hafis for 8 years and fine of Rs 75, 000

Till now, 7 accused have been sentenced to life imprisonment. The court has given sentences to 63 accused, 37 are still waiting. Most probably, the court will award the rest of the sentences within the next few days.

Friday, 1 June, 2007