11/7 blasts convicts’ kin try to drum up support from victims’ families

Mumbai: Triggered by the emergent nature of what Wednesday’s judgment could bring upon them, families of the 12 likely to be handed the death penalty and life term for the 11/7 blasts went knocking on the doors of the bereaved and injured on Sunday afternoon. “We have already wasted a lot of time. It’s time we reach out to those who have been the worst sufferers in case they relate to our situation and can make a difference,” said Khalid Ansari, brother of Sajid, who is likely to be served the death sentence.
With a roster of victim names and their contact details culled out of the chargesheet, Khalid dialled for support while Ataur Rahman (68), father of Faisal and Muzammil, along with Abdul Wahid Shaikh, acquitted in the case, took to the streets with a nine-page letter by the convicts, to the victim families and survivor.
Their calls for help drew mixed reactions — some hostile, some skeptical and some willing to lend support “only” if they provided enough evidence to prove the convicts’ innocence.
The first they met was Abbas Parmar, in a small office on Mira Road, where he helps his father in his real estate and tourism business. Parmar and his father listened as Shaikh handed over a copy of the letter. “What happened to you was wrong, but what is happening to the convicts is wrong too. Believe me, they aren’t the real culprits but will be hanged. Please read the letter and write to the Chief Justice on our behalf. We are desperate for your help,” pleaded Shaikh.
Parmar, now 34, was forthcoming. Disturbed by instances of being hounded by investigators following the blasts, he was willing to give the convicted the benefit of the doubt. “I was also hounded by cops when I was recuperating. There was a sense of mistrust,” he said, agreeing to consider their appeal. But does he not fear a backlash from other survivors, victim families or public? “I’m not against the government. My help will be on grounds of humanity,” said Parmar. “I’ve seen my son in pain and want justice too, but when I’m sure of who really is guilty,” added his father.
They then traced the elder son of Mohammad Saleh Shaikh who had died in the blasts. Zahid was willing to listen as Shaikh implored, “Believe me, please”, but wasn’t ready to commit yet. “Give me your number and I shall call back. Can’t say anything till I discuss the letter with my mother and three brothers… We need to be confident before we can promise support,” said Zahid, who was 16 when he lost his father.
Among the 35-odd calls Khalid made since morning was one to Naseem Shakir Merchant, a resident of Borivli who lost her father, Shakir Abdeali Merchant, a retired chief metropolitan magistrate. Naseem said, “They wanted to meet me and also asked for my email address. I felt it was risky, so I told them to courier the documents. The decision to help them isn’t easy when we have waited nine years for justice. While it’s hard to believe that they did not commit the crime, what if there is some truth in what they’re saying? But, if they want our support, they’ll have to prove it.”
Another number on the dialed list was the residence of Parag Sawant, who passed away in July, after nine years in coma. “We spoke to his mother and wanted to meet her, but she wasn’t willing to listen. We understand her emotions but we won’t give up.”
The expectation? “A collective appeal for a re-probe,” said Khalid.
Meanwhile, in preparing the ground for every possible move that could alter the punishment in the high court, the convicts’ families, in consultation with Jamiat-ul Ulema, the NGO helping them in the legal battle, have decided to take the cyber route. After the sentencing on September 30, a website dedicated to the case will be created where documents and evidence in their favour and profiles of each convicts will be made available for people to browse, comment and sign for an online petition.