Mumbai 13/7 Triple Blast Case: Special MCOCA Court Grants Bail To Accused After 15 Years As Undertrial

Mumbai's Special MCOCA court has recently granted bail to Saddam Khan, a key accused in the infamous 13/7 triple blast case, after he spent 15 years as an undertrial. The court's decision was primarily based on the delay in the completion of the trial, a factor that has also been considered for the release of other accused in similar cases.

The bail plea was filed by Khan's legal representative, Sharif Shaikh, arguing that the delay in the trial process warranted the release of Khan. However, the prosecution strongly opposed this plea, pointing out the substantial evidence against Khan, including confessional statements, CCTV footage, and other scientific evidence collected during the investigation.

The prosecution further argued that the delay in the case had led to a significant amount of witness examinations, with 236 witnesses having been examined since the previous order for bail. Despite this, the court acknowledged the progress of the trial but emphasized that the lengthy incarceration period of the applicant still constituted a constitutional concern.

The triple blasts occurred on July 13, 2011, at the Opera House, Zaveri Bazar, and Dadar, resulting in the deaths of 27 people and injuries to 127 others. The case was later investigated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and Khan was accused of playing a significant role in the blasts.