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Seven sentenced to life for aiding gangster's escape

Additional sessions judge V C Singh today awarded life imprisonment to seven persons involved in aiding the escape of notorious gangster Firoze Kokani from police custody on May 6 last year while he was taken to Bombay's J J Hospital for treatment. Kokani, a henchman of gangster Chhota Shakeel, was taken to the hospital following a kidney problem.

Judge Singh awarded life imprisonment to Abdullah Sargroo and Anwar Sargroo, the father and brother of Kokani, police sub-inspector Satish Gaothe, constable Suryaji Sawant apart from Mirza Arif Baig, Shabir Hussain, Jehangir Sheikh and Aejaj Sayad.

Judge Singh in his order observed that the accused were held guilty under Sections 302, 225, and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the prosecution, Kokani, the prime accused in the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party Member of the Legislative Assembly Ramdas Naik, was brought from Thane jail to J J Hospital on May 6 at about 1530 hours. Kokani and two constables were standing outside the police van when another accused Jehangir Sheikh came on a motor cycle and opened fire on the escorting party. One police constable Kardile died in the crossfire. After that Jehangir took Kokani on his motor bike towards Dongri.

A constable on duty followed them but they managed to escape because of the crowds who had gathered on account of Muharam.

Public prosecutors R N Misra and Ramnath Kini told the court that the conspiracy to free Kokani was hatched at the instance of his father Abdullah Sargroo while Mirza Arif supplied the arms. The police personnel had turned a Nelson's eye at the escape.

Inspectors Muhammad Javed and Api Mandre of J J Marg police station investigated the matter and arrested the accused.

UNI

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