Mumbai Blast Verdict Not Final; Those Celebrating Should Wait: VHP
New Delhi : The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has responded strongly to the Bombay High Court’s recent decision acquitting all accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, calling the judgment “not final”. VHP International President Alok Kumar stated that those celebrating the verdict should await the Supreme Court’s final decision.
On July 11, 2006, serial bomb blasts occurred in seven suburban trains in Mumbai, killing 189 people and injuring 824 others. It remains one of the deadliest terror attacks in India. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the government of the time, and after extensive investigation, a chargesheet was filed. A Special Court had found 12 accused guilty, sentencing five to death and seven to life imprisonment.
However, the Bombay High Court recently overturned that verdict, acquitting all the accused. Reacting to this, Alok Kumar said,
“The Maharashtra Chief Minister has rightly called the judgment shocking. The state government has already announced its decision to challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court.”
Kumar emphasized that this High Court verdict is not the final word.
“This is just the semi-final, not the final. One cannot treat a midterm exam result as the final assessment. The Supreme Court will now scrutinize the case. Those rejoicing should hold off until the highest court of the land pronounces its verdict.”
He also expressed concern that it took 19 years for this judgment to be delivered, adding,
“Given the gravity of this case, we hope the Supreme Court will prioritize and expedite the appeal process once it is filed.”
The VHP’s comments underline the emotional and legal complexity surrounding one of India’s most devastating terror attacks and signal that the case may remain in the courts for some time to come.
