Mumbai: A major tragedy averted on Monday as Air India flight, AI2744, from Kochi veered off runway at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport amid heavy rains in the city. All passengers are reported to be safe.

As per Air India’s spokesperson, the flight experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft was taxied safely to the gate. All passengers and crew members deboarded the flight. The aircraft has been grounded for checks.

The hard landing reportedly caused damaged to the primary runway. Repair works are currently underway. Three tyres burst during the landing and the engine of the aircraft likely to have been damaged, Emergency teams were deployed to control the situation.

Visuals Of The Damaged Plane:

“An incoming aircraft from Kochi experienced a runway excursion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai at 09.27 hours on 21 July 2025. CSMIA’s emergency response teams were immediately activated to manage the runway excursion,” a spokesperson for CSMIA said, as quoted by the media house.

“All passengers and crew are safe. There are minor damages reported to the airport’s primary runway – 09/27. In order to ensure continuity of operations, the Secondary Runway 14/32 has been activated. At CSMIA, safety always remains our highest priority,” the CSMIA spokesperson added.

Mumbai Rains:

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Monday, throwing normal life out of gear. Waterlogging was reported in several areas, leading to traffic disruption, especially in western and central suburbs. Local train services were also affected due to heavy showers. Local trains on the harbour line were reportedly running 20-25 minutes late.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains in the city during the week as the monsoon activity intensified. On Tuesday, moderate rainfall and overcast skies are expected, along with occasional thunderstorms. The overall temperature will remain mild, although humidity levels may remain steady.

Mumbai | July 21, 2025 — In a landmark verdict, the Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai local train serial bomb blasts case, reversing the 2015 judgment of the MCOCA special court which had handed out death and life sentences.

The case (G.R. No. 05/2006, MCOCA Special Case No. 21/2006) pertains to the horrific series of bomb blasts that rocked the Western Railway suburban trains in Mumbai on July 11, 2006, killing over 180 people and injuring more than 800.

On September 30, 2015, the special MCOCA court had sentenced:

• 5 accused to death,
• 7 accused to life imprisonment,
• while 1 accused was acquitted.

Following standard procedure, the death sentences were referred to the Bombay High Court for confirmation, and the convicted individuals filed appeals challenging their sentences.

A division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice S. G. Chapalgaonkar heard the matter extensively from *July 2024, with final arguments concluding on *January 27, 2025.

On July 21, 2025, the High Court delivered its judgment:

• Rejected the death reference,
• Allowed the appeals of all convicted individuals,
• Set aside the 2015 convictions and sentences passed by the MCOCA special court.

Representing the Government of India and the state of Maharashtra were Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Raja Thakare and Special Public Prosecutor Chimalkar, who argued for upholding the original verdict.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Maharashtra, has stated that it is currently analyzing the High Court’s detailed judgment. Consultations are underway with legal experts and special prosecutors to determine the next course of legal action, which may include an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The verdict has sparked significant public and legal interest, as it not only impacts one of the most devastating terror incidents in Mumbai’s history but also raises serious questions about the prosecution’s evidence and investigation.

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.