Mumbai : In a stunning verdict, the Bombay High Court today acquitted all 12 individuals convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, nearly 19 years after the tragedy in which 209 people were killed and over 700 injured . The prosecution’s case was deemed “not conclusive,” prompting the court to order the immediate release of the accused .
Key reactions and developments:
Milind Deora, former Shiv Sena MP and then-Mumbai MP during the attacks, expressed strong disapproval, stating that “as a Mumbaikar, I cannot accept this verdict”, and urged the Maharashtra government to hire top legal minds to appeal the decision .
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticized investigative authorities, noting how years of wrongful imprisonment destroyed lives and families were denied closure .
Legal experts and victim families voiced shock and dismay. Senior advocates termed the acquittal “staggering” and stressed that unless the state appeals, justice may remain elusive .
Background: On July 11, 2006, Mumbai was hit by coordinated pressure cooker bomb blasts across multiple suburban railway stations during evening rush hour. A special MCOCA court convicted the 12 accused in 2015—five sentenced to death and seven to life imprisonment .
What’s next: The Maharashtra government is expected to soon decide on filing an appeal in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, discussions have begun about reviewing investigative and prosecutorial lapses in this high-profile terrorism case.
