Bombay HC Acquits All 12 in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts
In a landmark judgment, the Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals convicted in connection with the July 11, 2006, serial bomb blasts on Mumbai’s suburban local trains. A special MCOCA court in 2015 had sentenced five to death and seven others to life imprisonment. The High Court quashed these verdicts, citing that the prosecution had “utterly failed” to prove their guilt.
Fatal Blasts, Deep Impact
On the evening of July 11, 2006, seven bombs exploded in quick succession—between 6:24 pm and 6:35 pm—on the Western Railway line during peak commuter hours. These blasts took place near Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar Road, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar, and Borivali. Forensic sources confirm the use of pressure-cooker bombs, causing the death of 209 people and injuring more than 700 commuters.
Court Raises Serious Doubts Over Evidence
Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak pointed out major weaknesses in the prosecution case. Eyewitness testimonies were deemed unreliable, especially considering they were given nearly 100 days after the incident. The court also questioned the relevance of the recovered materials—arms, explosives, and maps—to the actual blasts. It highlighted uncertainty even around the type of bombs used. With these gaps, the bench concluded it was “hard to believe” the accused were involved, and ordered their immediate release if no other criminal cases were pending.
Broader Implications
The acquittal is a setback for the investigative process, raising concerns over procedural lapses by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and its handling of evidence and witness statements. For the families of the victims, the decision brings mixed emotions—relief for the wrongly convicted, but anguish over delayed justice.
