Lucknow News: Exposing the logistics link of the Al-Qaeda module in Lucknow, the NIA court sentenced arms suppliers Mohammad Mustakeem and Mohammad Shakeel to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 rupees each. They had supplied illegal pistols and ammunition to Minhaj and Musiruddin. Their confessions in court further strengthened the case.
Special Judge Hussain Ahmed Ansari delivered the verdict, strengthening the crackdown on the roots of the terrorist network in the state.
About the Terror plot and conspiracy
According to Special Public Prosecutor Brijesh Yadav, Mustaqeem and Shakeel not only supplied illegal pistols and cartridges, but also played a key role in delivering weapons to the main accused, Minhaj Ahmed and Musiruddin. This was the link through which preparations were being made for major blasts at several sensitive sites in Uttar Pradesh, including the Ram Janmabhoomi.
Intelligence inputs indicated that two other accused, Minhaj and Mushiruddin, were planning a major attack. Minhaj and Mushiruddin were arrested by ATS, and their case is still under trial.
What they Confessed
During the hearing, both accused admitted to the crime and stated that they had no prior criminal history. The court considered this important in determining the punishment. It also ordered that the previous jail term would be included in the sentence. Failure to pay the fine would result in additional imprisonment. They were awarded the minimum punishment under the Arms Act, which is two years’ imprisonment.
