Citing lack of evidence, the court quashes death and life sentences in one of India’s deadliest terror cases; Orders immediate release
Mumbai: In a landmark judgment, the Bombay High Court on Monday acquitted all 12 individuals convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, citing a lack of sufficient evidence and failure of the prosecution to prove the charges.
A special division bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Shyam Chandak delivered the verdict, bringing relief to the 12 accused who had been serving life and death sentences over the last several years.
Court Rejects Prosecution Claims
The High Court bench observed that there was no conclusive proof linking the accused to the serial bombings on Mumbai’s suburban rail network on July 11, 2006, which killed 180 people and injured hundreds.
"The prosecution has completely failed to prove the case against the accused. It is difficult to believe that the accused committed the crime," the bench stated in its judgment.
The court also instructed that the accused be released immediately, provided they are not arrested in any other pending case.
Background: The 2006 Serial Blasts
The horrific attacks took place within 15 minutes on Mumbai’s Western Railway line, one of the city’s busiest commuter routes. The first explosion occurred around 6:20 AM on a Churchgate-Borivali train, followed by others in rapid succession on trains at Bandra-Khar, Jogeshwari, Mahim, Mira Road-Bhayander, Matunga-Mahim, and Borivali.
ATS Investigation and Arrests
The case was initially handled by the Mumbai Police but was later transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which arrested 13 individuals alleged to be affiliated with the banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen. One of the accused later turned approver.
Those arrested and tried included:
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Kamal Ahmed Ansari (37)
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Tanveer Ahmed Ansari (37)
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Mohammad Faisal Sheikh (36)
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Itesham Siddiqui (30)
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Mohammad Majid Shafi (32)
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Sheikh Alam Sheikh (41)
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Mohammad Sajid Ansari (34)
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Muzamil Sheikh (27)
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Sohil Mohammad Sheikh (43)
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Zameer Ahmed Sheikh (36)
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Naved Hussain Khan (30)
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Asif Khan (38)
They had been charged under various sections of IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and Explosives Act, and were convicted by a special MCOCA court in 2015, nine years after the blasts.
Long Legal Battle Ends in Acquittal
With today's judgment, the High Court has not only overturned the 2015 convictions but also questioned the credibility of the investigation that formed the basis for the charges.
"Unless proven beyond reasonable doubt, no person can be held guilty, especially in a case of this magnitude. Justice must be based on evidence, not suspicion," the bench emphasised.
Victims’ Families React with Mixed Emotions
While the acquittal brought relief to the families of the accused, many victims’ relatives expressed anguish, questioning the failure of the investigative agencies and the delay in delivering justice.
A senior legal expert called it a "grim reminder that justice delayed and misdirected can also be justice denied."
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