SC Stays Execution of Death Penalty for IM Operative in 2008 Ahmedabad Blasts Case
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the execution of the death penalty awarded to Indian Mujahideen operative Ahmed Bawa alias Abbu Abubakar Barelvi in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, which claimed 56 lives.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, AG Masih and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the Gujarat government on Barelvi’s plea challenging the Gujarat High Court verdict that upheld the capital punishment. The apex court also called for the trial court records and stayed the execution.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, described the case as serious.
On July 7, the Gujarat High Court had upheld the death sentences of 38 Indian Mujahideen operatives, citing the large number of casualties, the “humongous” conspiracy and the alleged intention to create widespread terror. It also confirmed life imprisonment for 11 other convicts.
The blasts on July 26, 2008, involved 21 explosions across Ahmedabad within about 70 minutes, killing 56 people and injuring more than 200. Bombs also exploded at hospitals where victims were being taken for treatment.
The high court had upheld the February 2022 judgment of a special court, which sentenced 38 convicts to death and 11 to life imprisonment. The special court’s ruling was notable as the largest number of death sentences imposed in a single case by an Indian court.
The high court said the prosecution had established the involvement of the 11 life-term convicts in terror training camps, procurement of materials used in the blasts and logistical support, including arranging accommodation for other accused.
A total of 78 people were tried after 35 cases linked to the Ahmedabad blasts and unexploded bombs recovered in Surat were clubbed together. Forty-nine were convicted.
The high court also directed the Gujarat government to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to families of those killed and Rs 5 lakh to grievously injured victims before March 30, 2027.