Verdict in Ahmedabad Serial Blast Case Today: 56 people lost their lives in 2008 bomb blasts; 12 years of trial on IM and SIMI terrorists

26 July 2008, this was the day when 21 bomb blasts shook the spirit of Ahmedabad in a span of 70 minutes. At least 56 people died in these blasts across the city, while 200 people were injured. The investigation into the blasts lasted several years and around 80 accused were tried.

In this case which is more than 13 years old, a special court is expected to pronounce its verdict today. Senior Public Prosecutor Sudhir Brahmbhatt said that Special Judge AR Patel, who was hearing the case, had gone into isolation after getting infected with Corona, due to which the date of the verdict was extended from February 1. Now they have returned after recovering, in such a situation, a decision can come in this matter today.

The blasts were done in response to the riots after the Godhra incident.
The police had claimed that people associated with the terrorist organization Indian Mujahideen (IM) and the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) have carried out blasts in the city. The police believed that IM terrorists carried out these blasts in response to the 2002 post-Godhra riots.

12 year trial
Trials started in 2009 when about 35 cases were made into one big case. FIRs were lodged in the blast location in Ahmedabad and in Surat where the police found the bombs. The long court case had many twists and turns. The prosecution examined more than 1,100 witnesses before Judge AR Patel.

In terms of security, the initial trials in this high-profile case were conducted inside Sabarmati Jail. Most of the hearings were done through video conferencing. Apart from murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, the accused were also booked under the Anti-Terror Act.