The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday upheld the death sentences awarded to 38 convicts in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, while confirming life imprisonment for 11 others. The verdict came after the court heard appeals challenging the trial court’s 2022 judgment in one of India’s deadliest terror cases.
The coordinated bomb blasts rocked Ahmedabad on July 26, 2008, when a series of explosions struck crowded markets, hospitals and public places within a short span of time. The attacks claimed 56 lives and left more than 200 people injured, sending shockwaves across the country.
A division bench of the High Court ruled that the trial court had correctly appreciated the evidence against the accused. The court observed that the conspiracy was carefully planned and executed with the intention of causing maximum casualties and widespread panic.
The convicts were found guilty of offences under the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act and other relevant laws. Investigators had alleged that the attacks were carried out by operatives linked to the banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen.
The High Court’s decision followed an extensive review of evidence, witness testimonies, forensic reports and other material presented during the trial. The judges concluded that the case fell within the “rarest of rare” category for those sentenced to death.
Families of the victims welcomed the verdict, saying it reaffirmed their long wait for justice after nearly two decades. Security has been tightened around sensitive locations in Gujarat following the judgment, although officials said there were no reports of any untoward incidents.
The convicted persons still have the legal option of challenging the High Court’s verdict before the Supreme Court. Until then, the sentences will not be carried out.
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