KOCHI: The NIA special court, Ernakulam, on Friday awarded triple life term to Thadiyantavide Nazeer, prime accused in the Kozhikode twin blasts case and double life term to Shafaz, the fourth accused. Delivering the sentence, special judge S Vijaya Kumar said the sentences shall run concurrently. Both the convicts will be sent to Kannur central prison.Nazeer was handed down three life terms and Shafas two life sentences under section 18 and section 16(i) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention Act) and section 4(b) of the Explosives Substances Act.The court held that available evidence has established that Nazeer is the masterbrain behind the blast. He is a religious fanatic and is intolerant to other religions.Nazeer was aiming at harming the secular fabric of our Constitution by way of striking terror in people and creating communal disharmony. They were targeting innocent people. That’s why the accused placed bombs at busy places, the court said.“Both the accused deserve such punishment as would be appropriate to them as to help them realise the grave nature of their act,” the court added. The NIA court had found the duo guilty on Thursday under various charges. The prosecution sought maximum punishment for the accused. The court heard both the accused on the question of sentence.Nazeer stated that his wife and three children were residing at Kannur. They are being looked after by his family members and hence he wanted to be sent to Kannur prison. So that it will be convenient for family members to visit him.He also requested permission to maintain his beard and cap, which have got religious significance, and conduct prayer. Shafas said that there was no one else to look after his wife and two small children.Both Nazeer and Shafas pressed for maximum leniency. Allowing the request, the court said both convicts shall be provided with the privilege of maintaining beard at their choice as a mark of religious practice. Nazeer shall also be permitted to wear his cap. They shall be provided with physical labour and vocational training so that they will realise the dignity of labour.As an attempt to reform them, convicts shall also be provided with reading material, such as vernacular version of biographies and autobiographies of great patriotic men of India and commentaries to the Constitution of India.
Comments
0 comment