Mumbai, July 22, 2025 –
In a major legal development, Ehtesham Qutubuddin Siddiqui and *Shaikh Mohammad Ali Alam, two of the three men convicted in the **2006 Mumbai suburban train blasts, were released from *Nagpur Central Jail on Monday evening. The release comes days after the Bombay High Court overturned their convictions, citing lack of conclusive evidence.
Both men were flown to Mumbai following their release and were spotted arriving at Mumbai Airport late last night. A video capturing the moment of their return is now available on PTI Videos (ptivideos.com).
Background: The 2006 Mumbai Train Bombings
The Mumbai train bombings, one of the deadliest terror attacks in India, occurred on *July 11, 2006, targeting the Western Railway suburban network during the evening rush hour. A total of *seven blasts were triggered within 11 minutes across first-class compartments, killing 189 people and injuring over 800.
Following an extensive investigation, multiple arrests were made. Siddiqui and Alam were among those sentenced to life imprisonment in 2015 by a special MCOCA court in Mumbai.
High Court Overturns Verdict
Earlier this month, the Bombay High Court delivered a landmark verdict after a detailed re-examination of the evidence. The bench ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the involvement of Siddiqui and Alam in the conspiracy or execution of the attacks.
Legal experts believe this decision may impact other ongoing cases related to the 2006 bombings. Human rights activists and lawyers have raised concerns over prolonged incarceration without solid proof.
An Emotional Homecoming
As they arrived in Mumbai, both acquitted individuals appeared visibly emotional. Supporters gathered at the airport to welcome them, expressing relief that justice had finally been served. Siddiqui, speaking briefly to the media, said, “We never gave up hope. We always believed the truth would come out one day.”
Family members, who stood by them for nearly two decades, were seen in tears as they reunited at the airport.
Calls for Accountability and Legal Reform
The acquittal has sparked renewed debates over India’s criminal justice system. Civil rights groups are demanding an independent inquiry into how the original investigation was conducted. Questions are also being raised on the quality of evidence, prolonged trials, and the mental trauma faced by the wrongfully convicted.
What’s Next for the Acquitted?
Legal teams have confirmed that they will now explore the possibility of seeking compensation for the years lost behind bars. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) may also take up the case for wrongful imprisonment.
Meanwhile, one more individual in the same case awaits a similar verdict, with court hearings expected to resume soon.