Mumbia (Maharashtra): In a major judgment, the Bombay High Court on Monday acquitted all 12 individuals previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, nearly two decades after the deadly terror attack that killed 189 people and injured over 800.
A division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Shyam Chandak overturned the 2015 trial court verdict that had convicted the accused under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The bench ruled that the prosecution had “utterly failed” to prove the charges against the accused and granted them the benefit of doubt.
"The prosecution has utterly failed to prove the case against the accused. It is hard to believe that the accused committed the crime. Hence, their conviction is quashed and set aside," the bench said in its judgment, adding that they should be released from prison if not wanted in any other case.
The High Court critically examined the prosecution's evidence, finding multiple inconsistencies. It raised doubts over the credibility of witness testimonies, stating that it was implausible for witnesses to recall suspects 100 days after the incident. The bench also noted that the explosives, arms, and maps allegedly recovered during the investigation had no proven connection with the blasts. Moreover, the prosecution failed to establish the type of bombs used in the attack.
On July 11, 2006, seven powerful bomb explosions ripped through Mumbai’s suburban local trains during evening rush hour, between 6:24 pm and 6:35 pm. The bombs, concealed in pressure cookers, were placed in first-class compartments of trains departing from Churchgate station. Explosions occurred near Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar Road, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar, and Borivali stations.
The attacks killed 189 people and injured more than 800 — making it one of the worst terror incidents in the city’s history.
In 2015, a special MCOCA court convicted 12 men for their roles in the conspiracy. Five of them — Faisal Sheikh, Asif Khan, Kamal Ansari, Ehtesham Siddiqui, and Naveed Khan — were sentenced to death. The remaining seven — Mohammed Sajid Ansari, Mohammed Ali, Dr Tanveer Ansari, Majid Shafi, Muzzammil Shaikh, Sohail Shaikh, and Zamir Shaikh — were sentenced to life imprisonment.
All 12 will now be released following the High Court’s order.
