Acquitted and Imprisoned: Unraveling the July 11, 2006 Train Blasts Case

The July 11, 2006 train blasts case saw 12 persons charged as members of the banned Students’ Islamic Movement of India. While some were acquitted, others received life sentences for their alleged roles, including bomb assembly and receiving training in Pakistan for the attacks that rocked Mumbai.

Twelve individuals linked to the July 11, 2006, train blasts in Mumbai faced charges as members of the banned Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). The Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) claimed that some accused had undergone terror training in Pakistan.

The accused, ranging from various backgrounds, were charged with assembling and planting bombs on Mumbai's trains, leading to tragic explosions. Among the acquitted was Kamal Ahmed Ansari, who passed away in 2021 pending an appeal hearing. Others, like Mohammed Faisal Rahman Shaikh and Ehtesham Siddiqui, were implicated as key conspirators, accused of receiving funds and assembling deadly devices.

While some individuals received acquittals, others like Tanveer Ahmed Ansari and Mohammed Shafi faced life imprisonment for their involvement. The charges ranged from conducting reconnaissance of train routes to procuring funds through hawala channels to facilitate the attacks. This case remains a significant chapter in India's fight against domestic terrorism.

(With inputs from agencies.)