By IANS
Mumbai : A special court in Mumbai Friday sentenced eight people involved in the 1993 serial blasts to five-10 years rigorous imprisonment for their role in transporting and concealing arms and weapons.
They include a close aide of main accused Tiger Memon. The special anti-terrorism TADA court sentenced Mohammed Sayeed Nizamuddin Quereshi, who had gone on a boat with Tiger Memon to Dubai, to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.25,000.
The other seven were transporters who had helped in the landing of the weapons in Shakadhari, in coastal Maharashtra's Raigad district, about 70 km from here.
Two of the accused had also participated in arms training in nearby Shanbheri.
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who has been convicted under the Arms Act but absolved of charges under TADA, was also in court to request permission of absence as it was his father Sunil Dutt's second death anniversary.
Dutt had been asked to be present in court along with seven others. While special judge P.D. Kode gave him permission, he has not yet set a date for the actor's sentencing.
A series of blasts ripped through India's financial capital on March 12, 1993, killing 257 people and injuring more than 700.