Bombay High Court Acquits All 12 in 2006 Mumbai Train Bombings Due to Lack of Evidence
Mumbai train explosions in 2006 claimed 189 lives. Twelve Convicts Were All Acquitted Today
Within eleven minutes on July 11, 2006, seven bomb explosions tore through separate Mumbai local trains. These explosions claimed the lives of 189 individuals.
Mumbai
The Bombay High Court cleared all 12 defendants found guilty by a lower court in the serial bombing case today, 19 years after the 2006 Mumbai train explosions killed 189 people and injured over 800 more. These 12 defendants were found guilty by a trial court in 2015, with five receiving death sentences and the rest receiving life sentences.
The prosecution had “utterly failed” to prove the case against the accused, according to the high court bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak, which overturned the trial court’s ruling.
“The case against the accused has been completely unproven by the prosecution. The accused’s involvement in the crime is difficult to accept. The bench declared, “Therefore, their conviction is quashed and set aside.” According to the court, if the accused is not needed in any other case, they will be released from custody.
The “benefit of doubt” was granted to the convicted because the prosecution was unable to substantiate the charges, the court stated. Witness statements were questioned by the court. It stated that a person cannot recall a suspect 100 days following the explosions.
The court further stated that maps, weapons, and explosives found during the investigation seemed to have nothing to do with the explosions. It claimed that the prosecution was unable to even identify the type of munitions used in the explosions.
Within eleven minutes on July 11, 2006, seven bomb explosions tore through separate Mumbai local trains. To increase the damage, the bombings were conducted using rigged pressure cookers. Due to people returning from work, the first one happened at 6:24 p.m., which is rush hour, and the last one at 6:35 p.m. From Churchgate, the devices were positioned in first-class train carriages. Near Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar Road, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar, and Borivali, they detonated.
Twelve persons were found guilty in the bombings case by a trial court in 2015. Faisal Sheikh, Asif Khan, Kamal Ansari, Ehtesham Sidduqui, and Naveed Khan were all given death sentences by the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act special court. For their roles in the conspiracy, seven additional prisoners—Mohammed Sajid Ansari, Mohammed Ali, Dr. Tanveer Ansari, Majid Shafi, Muzzammil Shaikh, Sohail Shaikh, and Zamir Shaikh—were given life sentences. The supreme court’s decision today will allow all 12 of the convicted individuals to go free.
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