German Bakery Blast: Bombay High Court commutes Himayat Baig’s death sentence to life

A Division Bench of Justices Naresh H. Patil and S.B Shukre commuted the death sentence awarded to Himayat Inayat Baig, the lone convict in the German Bakery Blast case to life..Baig has been found guilty of posessing explosive substance and forged documents, he has been convicted under Section 5B of The Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and Sections 465, 467, 468 and 474 of the IPC..Baig was found not guilty on all charges under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967..At the very outset, Justice Patil addressed the accused, who was present in court-.“Apko jo fansi ki saza sunai gai thi usse bari kiya gaya hai” (The death sentence that was awarded to you has been set aside).Later speaking to media persons, a visibly composed Baig said,.“Mujhe fansaya gaya hai, bali ka bakra banaya gaya hai.” (I have been framed and made a scapegoat).Two key witnesses in the case had said they were coerced by the Anti Terrorist Squad into giving false statements after journalist Ashish Khetan conducted a sting operation. Khaitan’s intervention application now stands dismissed..Asked whether he felt justice was done in the matter, Baig’s lawyer Mahmood Pracha said,.“I believe the real culprits have to be arrested. Only then justice will be done to the families of those who died in the blast.”.Public Prosecutor Raja Thakre did not speak to the media..Himayat Baig has now been directed to be taken to Nagpur Central Jail; he was shifted to Yerwada Jail in Pune after he complained of threats to his life.