The story of Yakub Memon

The first one to be hanged for his crimes in 1993 Mumbai serial blast that claimed over 260 innocent lives, Yakub Memon, 53, has an particularly regular background that makes it tricky to decide the extent and the intensity of his offence. Convicted since 1994, Memon is once again making headlines after SC rejects its plea to reconsider its March 2013 verdict followed by dismissal of curative petition, thereby confirming his death sentence.

A Chartered accountant with a master’s degree in commerce from Burhani College in Mumbai, Memon used to be suave professional, educated individual and devoted family man before his foray into aiding terrorist acts.  Accused of having facilitated the training of 15 youths who were sent to Pakistan for training in the use of arms and ammunition and being the sole conspirator of the terrorist act that shook the city to its core, some believe that he is paying for the sins of his brother Tiger Memon, who is a prime accused in the 1993 serial blast, a fugitive wanted by Indian government ever since he eluded the authorities.

Over the course of his trail, Memon has disclosed his intentions for coming clean even after his family bolted Mumbai days before the blast. Awaiting the birth of his daughter and concerned about the health of his aging parents, Memon consider it safer to come back to India after 18 months after his escape and face a fresh trail rather than being scrutinized in Pakistan. His concern for the well being for his family and interest in his education (he acquired two Master Degree while in prison), gives a human aspect to his story. Nevertheless, guilty or not, Memon cannot escape the law which deem it fit to have him punished with death. It would have probably helped his cause if only he had shown a side of humanity prior to abetting a senseless act of violence against many other families.

Ashvita Singh