Court Orders Mumbai Police to Secure Star Witness in 1993 Bomb Blasts Case

A Mumbai sessions court has directed police to provide adequate security to a key witness in the 1993 serial bomb blasts case. The court emphasized the witness’s critical role in the prosecution and the need for his and his family's protection under the Witness Protection and Security Act.

A sessions court on Wednesday directed Mumbai Police to provide adequate security to an approver in the 1993 serial bomb blasts case and his family members.

Sessions court judge V D Kedar stated the man was a star prosecution witness and prime approver. The trial of seven recently arrested individuals is slated to commence soon.

'In the said trial, the evidence of the applicant may be required for cross-examination at the hands of accused persons. Thus, looking at the above facts and circumstances of the case, I am of the view that the applicant and his family members need to be provided sufficient security,' the court said.

The court directed the police to provide sufficient security to the applicant and his family members as contemplated under the Witness Protection and Security Act as early as possible.

The court ordered a compliance report to be submitted within two weeks.

The man had filed an application to increase police protection provided to him, expressing concerns over threats to his and his family's lives.

Initially an accused in the 1993 bomb blasts case, the man was later granted pardon and declared an approver. His crucial role in the investigation led to the conviction of several accused.

The applicant sought security under the Witness Protection and Security Act, claiming threats from his community and high-profile accused. Initially given 25 police personnel as protection, this was reduced to one, prompting him to seek increased security, including a CBI-provided security detail.

The police informed the court that in March 2024 the city police commissioner ordered the provision of 3 personnel from the Protection branch and four from another division to guard the man. His request for increased security will be considered later.

On March 12, 1993, twelve bombs detonated at different locations in Mumbai, killing 257 people and injuring over 700 others. A total of 123 persons were arrested, with a special court convicting 100. Some absconding accused were later arrested, and their trials are to be held separately.

(With inputs from agencies.)