Death sentences given to 3 in Mumbai

MUMBAI, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- A special court in Mumbai, India, Thursday sentenced to death a couple and another person convicted in the 2003 terror attacks which killed 52 people.

The death sentences were handed down by the anti-terror court to Mohammad Hanif Sayyed, 46, his wife, Fahmeeda, 43, and Ashrat Ansari, 32.

Prosecutors had described them as members of the Pakistan-based Laskhar-e-Toiba, the same militant group blamed for masterminding last November's attacks in the city, which left more than 160 people dead.

The 2003 bombings were at Mumbai's landmark Gateway of India and the Zaveri jewelry market.

"This would send a strong message to terrorists that they would get such punishment if they indulged in barbarous acts," chief prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said. The ruling is expected to be appealed.

Judge P.R. Puranik said it had been proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the three defendants committed the heinous acts, Press Trust of India said.

Prosecutor Nikam said this was one of those rare instances where capital punishment was justified.

The three had been found guilty of planting two bombs in taxis Aug. 25, 2003. More than 200 people were injured in the blasts.

Press Trust said Fahmida broke down outside the court after hearing the verdict, but her husband stood calmly by her side. Ansari was quoted as saying in his language: "What justice can you get when the law is blind."