Mumbai train blast verdict: Two lost decades, but a salve of vindication

A 2015 judgement by a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court sentenced five accused to death and seven others to life imprisonment.

MUMBAI: Of the 12 accused who were acquitted in the 7/11 serial bomb blasts of 2006 on Monday, Mohammad Sajid Magrub Ansari was the only one who could share the moment of relief and joy with his family. While the 11 other men have been in jail for 19 years Ansari was released on parole on July 1 and was slated to go back to the Nashik prison on August 10.

Mumbai, India. July 21, 2025: Sajid Ansari, one of the accused in the 7/11 Mumbai train blasts, is currently at his residence at Naya Nagar in Mira Road on a 40-day jail parole. On Monday, the Bombay High Court refused to uphold the death sentences for five individuals convicted in the 2006 synchronised Mumbai train blasts and acquitted all 12 accused who had been convicted in September 2015 by a special MCOCA trial court. Mumbai, India. July 21, 2025. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT) (Raju Shinde)

After watching the proceedings of the Bombay High Court