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Maharashtra

2006 Mumbai Train Blasts: Bombay High Court Acquits All 12 Accused, Slams Prosecution Over Lack of Evidence

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Mumbai, July 21, 2025* — In a major legal development nearly two decades after the devastating 2006 Mumbai train bombings, the Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals previously convicted in the case. The court observed that the prosecution had “utterly failed” to establish their involvement, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation and trial.

The division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Gauri Godse delivered the verdict, overturning life sentences and death penalties handed down by a special court in 2015 under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The court pointed to inconsistencies, procedural lapses, and weak evidence that failed to meet the standards required for a criminal conviction.

Background: One of India’s Deadliest Terror Attacks

On July 11, 2006, a series of coordinated blasts ripped through seven suburban trains on the Western Railway network during evening rush hour, killing 189 people and injuring over 800. The attack sent shockwaves across the country and led to a massive crackdown by law enforcement agencies.

Twelve men, said to be affiliated with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were arrested and later convicted for their alleged role in planting explosives in pressure cookers inside train compartments.

Court’s Observations*

In its judgment, the High Court sharply criticized the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for lapses in investigation. The bench noted that the prosecution’s case was primarily based on confessional statements and lacked independent corroboration. Many of the claims, the court found, were not backed by physical evidence or reliable witness testimony.

The judges also questioned the delay in lodging the FIRs and the procedural irregularities in recording confessions under MCOCA. They emphasized the need for fair investigation and warned that justice cannot be achieved through shortcuts.

Legal and Human Rights Repercussions*

The acquittal has sparked renewed debate over wrongful convictions, custodial torture allegations, and the functioning of India’s anti-terror laws. Several civil rights groups have welcomed the verdict, calling for accountability of officials responsible for the flawed investigation.

Meanwhile, the state government has expressed concern over the judgment and is reportedly reviewing options for a possible appeal in the Supreme Court.

Voices from the Courtroom*

Outside the courtroom, family members of the acquitted men broke down in tears, many having spent nearly 17 years behind bars. One of the defense lawyers stated, “Justice has been delayed, but not denied. This judgment exposes the danger of rushing to convictions in sensitive cases.”

On the other side, victims’ families expressed disappointment and grief, saying the acquittals reopened wounds that had never fully healed.

Maharashtra

Govandi is changing: Successful Talent of Govandi Festival filled with children’s artistic talents

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Govandi: With the aim of changing the negative image of Govandi, notorious for drug addiction and crime, and providing a bright future for the children here, the Abu Asim Azmi Foundation, led by local MLA Abu Asim Azmi, has taken a big step. The foundation recently successfully organized the “Talent of Govandi Festival”, which was going on for the past one month.

The festival organized various competitions related to education, sports, skills and talents. Thousands of children from Govandi, Mankhurd, and Shivaji Nagar enthusiastically participated in more than 17 competitions, including singing, dancing, drawing, speech, mehndi, recitation, naat, handicrafts, rangoli, carom, boxing, cricket, volleyball, badminton, karate and poetry. The children performed brilliantly by showcasing their talents and hard work. The new and hidden talents of Govandi were introduced not only locally but also internationally. On this occasion, those IAS officers who added to the glory of Govandi were also honored. MLA Abu Asim Azmi, motivational speakers Sir Awadh Ojha and Sana Khan, and social media influencer Faizo among other dignitaries were present at the event. All of them encouraged the children and gave them prizes. The main objective of the festival was to encourage children to stay away from drugs and choose a better life and make their future bright, through which the talents of the children of Govindi were introduced to the whole world.

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Maharashtra

Accused wanted in Madhya Pradesh murder arrested after 7 years from Dhoni

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Mumbai: Paidhoni Police Station has traced the accused who was absconding for 7 years in a murder case in Madhya Pradesh and handed him over to the Madhya Pradesh Police. 6 November
‎From Katni district of Madhya Pradesh, Police Sub-Inspector Rishabh Singh Baghel, Dilip Kaul of Barhi Police Station informed Paidhoni Police that a case has been registered under sections 302, 294, 323, 324, 506, 147, 148 of the Indian Penal Code at Barhi Police Station, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh. The accused in this case is wanted for the last 7 years and is still hiding in the limits of Paidhoni Police Station in Mumbai, help has been sought from the police to trace him. This was informed to Hon. After which the higher officers were informed about this and the above wanted accused was searched and he was detained from the footpath near Balgi Hotel, P.D. Melo Road, Masjid Bunder East, Mumbai. Later he was brought to the Paidhoni Police Station and interrogated regarding the crime. Since there was evidence of his involvement in the crime, the said accused was handed over to the police team at the above police station, district. Katni and they took him to the Barhi Police Station. Where further investigation is underway. The accused has been identified as Raja Ram Ramadhar Tiwari, 35 years old. With the cooperation of the Mumbai Police, the Madhya Pradesh Police solved the case and the wanted accused has been arrested on charges of murder.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Weather Update: City Wakes Up To Clear Skies, Mild Breeze; Overall AQI Stays In Moderate Range At 78

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Mumbai: After weeks of unsettled weather and intermittent showers, the city finally woke up to clear skies and crisp air on Thursday, marking what appears to be the end of the monsoon season. For the past two days, no rainfall was recorded across Mumbai, signalling that the retreating monsoon clouds have made way for the onset of post-monsoon conditions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience clear skies through the day, with only a minimal chance of isolated light showers or thunderstorms in select pockets. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33°C, while the minimum will settle near 23°C, conditions described as pleasant and comfortable for early November.

The recent spell of short but intense showers had not only brought temporary relief from humidity but also helped wash out accumulated pollutants, leading to an overall improvement in air quality. Prior to this, the withdrawal of monsoon winds had caused a spike in pollution levels due to stagnant air and increased vehicular emissions, resulting in a hazy skyline and reduced visibility.

Fresh data released by AQI.in on Thursday morning reflected this improvement. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 78, placing it in the moderate category. While the figure marks a slight dip from the good air quality recorded earlier in the week, it still represents a substantial improvement compared to the smog-filled conditions observed after monsoon withdrawal.

Residents across various parts of the city reported clearer skylines and visibly better air. Among the city’s monitoring stations, Wadala Truck Terminal recorded the highest AQI reading at 92, followed by Parel-Bhoiwada (90) and Mulund West (88). Santacruz East and Bhandup West both registered an AQI of 87, keeping them within the moderate range.

Cleaner air was observed in several western suburbs, where Kandivali East recorded an AQI of 45, falling in the good category. Malad West (59), Powai (62), Jogeshwari (65), and Borivali East (67) were all categorised as moderate, suggesting a consistent improvement across the city’s landscape.

As per AQI.in’s classification, an index between 0–50 is considered “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and anything above 200 is deemed “Severe” or “Hazardous.”

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