2. Twenty seven criminal cases were registered in connection with the blasts in different Police Stations of Bombay city, Thane Distt. and Raigad Distt. of Maharashtra. Investigation into these cases disclosed that after the demolition of Babri Masjid, on 6.12.1992, and widespread riots in its aftermath in Dec.1992 and in Jan.1993, Muslim sentiments were deeply hurt. The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, taking advantage of the hurt feelings of Muslim community and the surcharged atmosphere, incited three Bombay underworld dons namely Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon and Mohd. Dossa to seek revenge by causing bomb explosions and by committing other terrorist acts. The above mentioned gangsters were contacted through two Karachi based Pakistani smugglers namely Taufiq Jaliawala and Syed Arif, who are their business partners. They entered into a criminal conspiracy with the object to commit terrorist acts like bombing various places not only in Bombay, but in other prominent cities of India as well. They also decided to make use of their existing smuggling infrastructure of committed manpower, boats, landing sites, transporters, ware-houses etc.

3. In furtherance of the said criminal conspiracy, a large quantity of arms and explosives were smuggled into the country during Jan. and Feb.1993. The smuggled consignments landed at Dighi Jetti and Shekhadi Coast in Distt. Raigad. Regrettebly, Police officials of Sri Vardhan Police Station and Customs officers posted in Ali Bagh connived with them in the said landings. One Addl. Collector of Customs, one Asstt. Collector, two Supdts. and one Customs Inspr. were arrested and are facing trial. One Sub.Inspr. of Police and 7 Constables are also facing trial in the case.

4. About 30 young Muslim boys, mostly unemployed, who were earlier engaged in smuggling activities, were taken to Islamabad via Dubai for training in the handling of arms and explosives. They were trained to handle sophisticated automatic weapons and preparation of bombs by use of RDX. An interesting fact that came to notice during investigation was that in the passports of the said trainees, there was no arrival or departure stamp of Islamabad Immigration authorities. This was, obviously, done so that involvement of Pakistan is not reflected on official records. Surprisingly, when the trainees returned from Islamabad to Dubai, they were permitted to enter Dubai without any objection, even though their passports did not disclose the port of embarkation.

5. After training ground level operatives, the next task was to select targets for bombing. Tiger Memon was assigned this task. Various conspiratorial meetings were held at the residence of Tiger Memon at Al-Hussaini Building, Mahim, and at the residential premises of his associates. Survey of the targets was also got done meticulously. One of the targets selected was the BPCL Refinery at Chembur but fortunately it escaped being bombed on account of tight security arrangements at the premises.

6. Tiger Memon purchased new vehicles to be used as vehicle bombs in fictitious names by making payments in cash. The vehicles included an Ambassdor car, Maruti vans, Maruti cars, Mahendra jeeps and Bajaj scooters. False cavities were got prepared in the vehicles so as to use them for filling RDX. The explosive material, which was stored at different places in Bombay, was transported to the garages of Tiger Memon at Al-Hussaini Building. During the night of 11/12th March, 1993, one by one, the said new vehicles were brought in the compound of Al-Hussaini building, and RDX mixed with iron scrap, nails, bolts etc., was filled in the cavities.

7. Tiger Memon had already despached all his family members to Dubai in two batches on 10th and 11th of March, 1993. After making all arrangements and giving detailed instructions for planting of vehicle bombs, Tiger Memon himself left for Dubai in the early hours of 12.3.1993.

8. In the afternoon of 12.3.93, one by one, explosive-laden vehicles were taken out of the compound of Al-Hussaini building and driven to pre-determined targets. Three suit case bombs were also ready, which were planted in the rooms of three hotels, which had been booked on 11/3/93 under fictitious names. One of the groups of operatives had also been instructed to open fire at the BJP and Shiv Sena Corporators at Bombay Municipal Corporation Building near V.T. Station. The said group, after planting car bombs, was proceeding towards BMC Building. However, when they crossed Century Bazar at Worli, an explosive-laden jeep which was planted there, exploded. The explosion shattered the wind screen of their vehicle as well. In panic, they abandoned the vehicle which was laden with arms and ammunition. This vehicle belonged to the Memon family and was registered in the name of a female member of the family. It provided a useful lead in the investigation of the case subsequently and led to the unraveling of the entire conspiracy. The planted vehicle and suit case bombs exploded between 1330 hrs. and 1540 hrs. causing untold destruction and terror in practically the entire city.

9. During investigation sufficient evidence was brought on record to establish the criminal conspiracy and the involvement of ISI of Pakistan. From the compound of `Al-Hussaini' building, where the vehicle bombs were prepared, card board boxes were recovered with inscription "Wah Nobel Industries, Wah Cantt." printed on them. Wah Nobel Industries, manufacture different kinds of explosives and is situated near Wah Cantt. Islamabad, Pakistan. The arrested accused persons made confessional statements, admitting their involvement in the blast as also specific roles played by them. Evidence of eye witnesses was also collected, who had seen the accused persons planting the vehicle/suit case bombs. The accused were identified by the eye witnesses during the test-identification parades held before the Special Executive Magistrates.

10. At the instance of the accused, different types of arms, ammunitions and explosives were also recovered. The opinion of Foreinsic Experts has established that the explosive material used for causing the blasts was RDX. The details of recoveries made are as per the list given below:

1. AK-56 rifles - 62.

2. Magazines (AK-56) - 280

3. Ammunition (AK-56) - 38,888

4. Hand-Grenades - 479

5. 9 mm Pistols - 12

6. Magazines (9 mm) - 15

7. Ammunition (9mm) - 150

8. Electric Detonators - 1250

9. Cleaning Rodes (9mm) - 40

10. RDX - 2313kg.

11. Gelatin - 1132.5 Kgs

12. Initiating Devices - 50

13. Revolvers - 4

14. Revolver rounds - 53

15. Revolvers (country-made) - 1

16. Yellow Grenades - 17

17. 30 Carbines - 1

18. 30 Magazines - 3

19. 30 rounds - 28

20. Timer Pencil - 1

11. On completion of investigation by Bombay Police, it was decided to file one single charge sheet in respect of all the 27 cases in the specially constituted Designated Court at Mumbai, since , it was disclosed that it is a case of one single conspiracy. Accordingly, on 04.11.1993, a charge sheet was filed against 189 accused persons including 45 absconders. The Charge sheet is one of the world biggest charge sheet, consisting 9392 pages, the case has produced 3000 witnesses, out of 189 accused, 32 are still in Jail, rest of them are out on bail, 11 accused died natural death during the trial period, one accused is absconding after being released on bail, 39 accused persons are still absconding and constant efforts are being made to trace them by Mumbai Police, through various measures including the use of Interpol channels. It has been gathered that most of them are holed up either in U.A.E. or in Pakistan. Two accused were acquitted by the Supreme Court before the judgment of this case.

12. Keeping in view the national and international ramifications of the case, the Govt. of India entrusted the further investigation and trial of the case to CBI. The case was, thus, taken over by CBI on 19.11.1993. The CBI has arrested 16 absconders and identified 15 additional accused persons, out of which 4 have been arrested. Additional evidence collected against the accused persons has been submitted to the trial court by filing 15 supplementary charge sheets. Arrested absconders include Yakub Memon and 7 other family members of Tiger Memon.


14. The trial of the case has taken 4595 days to conclude. however, It must be noted that during this period, the court, lawyers, PP, and hon'ble Judge has not taken a single day's leave or holiday, and the case has run non-stop, every day. During the case Mr. Judge Konde has attended the trial even on the day his father died.


15. The JUDGMENT DAY is  now fixed for 12th September. Entire world is eyeing this judgment. Hopefully, the people of Mumbai, who suffered in 1993 blasts will get Justice finally. Best of luck to Mumbai. Mumbai Police and the PP Mr. Ujjval Nikam