Maharashtra Govt Challenges Bombay HC Acquittal in 2006 Mumbai Train Blast Case

Maharashtra Govt Challenges Bombay HC Acquittal in 2006 Mumbai Train Blast Case

New Delhi, July 22, 2025 – The Maharashtra government has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court’s recent verdict that acquitted all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai suburban train bomb blasts case. The Supreme Court has agreed to list the matter for hearing on 24 July 2025.

Background of the 7/11 Train Blasts

On 11th July 2006, a series of seven coordinated bomb explosions rocked the Mumbai suburban train network during peak hours, killing over 180 people and injuring more than 800 passengers. The bombs, reportedly placed inside pressure cookers and concealed in first-class compartments, targeted the lifeline of Mumbai – the Western Railway local trains – spreading panic across the city.

The blasts were carried out within a span of 11 minutes, between 6:24 PM and 6:35 PM, across various stations including Matunga, Mahim, Bandra, Khar, Jogeshwari, Borivali, and Mira Road. Investigations by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) suggested the involvement of terror outfits like the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Legal Proceedings Over the Years

• 2006–2008: ATS arrested 13 accused, with claims of them being linked to SIMI and LeT.
• 2008: A special court under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) began the trial.
• 2015: The special MCOCA court convicted 12 of the 13 accused, awarding death sentences to 5 and life imprisonment to 7 others.
• 2015–2025: The convicted persons filed appeals before the Bombay High Court.
• July 2025: The Bombay High Court overturned all 12 convictions, citing insufficient evidence. The judges observed that the prosecution failed to conclusively establish the accused’s involvement or even the type of explosives used.

Present Development

In light of the Bombay HC acquittal on 21 July 2025, the Maharashtra government swiftly moved the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court’s decision could set a dangerous precedent and that there was enough circumstantial and forensic evidence to uphold the convictions.

The apex court will now hear the state’s petition on 24 July 2025.

newsbabaonline.com