Ahmedabad Serial Blasts: Gujarat High Court Confirms Death For 38 Terrorists, Life Imprisonment For 11

Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court on Tuesday gave its historic verdict in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case and approved the decision of the special court. The court upheld the death sentence awarded to 38 convicts and life imprisonment to 11 others. Along with this, all the appeals filed by the culprits were rejected. The High Court directed the state government to provide compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each person who lost their lives in the blasts, Rs 5 lakh to those seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh to other injured by March 31, 2027.

What was the biggest question before the High Court?

This matter was not limited to the appeals of the convicts only. Under Indian law, the death sentence awarded by any trial court does not come into force unless it is confirmed by the High Court. For this reason, the state government had filed a death reference, while all the convicts had appealed challenging their sentence. After a hearing that lasted for almost two years and hearing the arguments of both parties, the High Court accepted that the decision of the special court was in accordance with the evidence and law.

What happened on 26 July 2008?

On the evening of 26 July 2008, there were 21 serial bomb blasts at 20 different places in Ahmedabad within about 70 minutes. The attackers had targeted crowded markets, buses and even hospitals. 56 people were killed in these blasts, while 246 people were injured. Two days later, several live bombs were recovered in Surat, which were defused in time. Investigative agencies considered it to be one of the biggest terrorist attacks of that era.

What was revealed in the investigation?

Names of more than 100 people had come to light in the investigation of Ahmedabad Crime Branch. Of these, 78 accused were prosecuted. The prosecution recorded statements of 1,163 witnesses during the lengthy trial before nine different judges. Due to security reasons, the identity of 26 important witnesses was kept completely confidential. On the basis of scientific evidence, documents and witnesses presented in the court, the special court had convicted 49 accused in the year 2022.

Under which sections were the culprits punished?

Murder, attempt to murder, conspiracy, war against the country... the most serious sections of IPC were imposed. Apart from this, UAPA, Explosives Act and Public Property Damage Act also. According to the investigating agencies, some people associated with SIMI had hatched this conspiracy by creating a new network named "Indian Mujahideen".

Is the matter completely over now?

Even after the decision of Gujarat High Court, legal avenues for the culprits have not been completely closed. They can now approach the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court also upholds the High Court's decision, then only further constitutional and legal process on death sentence will begin. At present, this decision of the High Court has given judicial approval to the decision of the special court in one of the most talked about terrorist cases of the country.