On July 26, 2008, multiple explosions rocked Ahmedabad city, while two days later, bombs were recovered in Surat. The Crime Branch investigation named more than 100 people as accused in the case, and 78 people were put on trial. In February 2022, a Special Court convicted 49 people and acquitted 28 others.
Among those acquitted were Mubin Sheikh and Mansoor Peerbhoy, who had been accused of conspiracy, sending threatening emails, and claiming responsibility for the terrorist attack. The trial court had granted pardon to one witness who later became an approver, while four other witnesses who later changed their statements were convicted.
According to a PTI report, a bench comprising Justice A.Y. Kogje and Justice S.J. Dave heard appeals against the Special Court order dated February 8, 2022. The High Court also considered the state government's petition seeking confirmation of the death sentences awarded to 38 convicts. The trial was conducted by combining 35 separate cases related to the blasts.
A total of 20 First Information Reports were registered in Ahmedabad and 15 First Information Reports were filed in Surat, where the bombs did not explode. The convicted individuals were sentenced under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Indian Penal Code, Explosive Substances Act, and other relevant laws.
The 49 convicted individuals included former Students Islamic Movement of India leader Safdar Nagori and his associates from 11 states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh. Police claimed that the accused had formed a new organisation named Indian Mujahideen.
The trial court convicted the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. All 49 convicts were found guilty of charges including murder, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, attempt to wage war against the country, sedition, and involvement in unlawful and terrorist activities.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 1,163 witnesses before nine different judges. Among them were 26 key witnesses whose identities were kept confidential for security reasons.
The Gujarat High Court's decision reinforces the legal outcome of one of India's most significant terror cases, maintaining the sentences awarded to those convicted for the deadly 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts that caused widespread loss of life and injuries.
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