Telangana High Court upholds death penalty in Dilsukhnagar bomb blast case

Hyderabad: In a significant judgment, Telangana High Court on Tuesday delivered a sensational verdict in the Dilsukhnagar bomb blast case, reaffirming the death penalty for all the five convicts.

The blasts, which shook the nation on February 21, 2013, claimed 18 lives and left over 131 people injured.

A bench comprising Justice Kunuru Laxman and Justice P. SreeSudha dismissed the appeals filed by the convicts and upheld the trial court Special NIA Court ruling. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a detailed investigation into the serial bombings and, on December 13, 2016, the Special NIA Court awarded the death sentence to the five accused. After nearly 45 days of hearings, the High Court finalized its verdict today, confirming the conspiracy charges and capital punishment.

The individuals whose death sentences have been upheld are Asadullah Akhtar (A2), Zia Ur Rehman (A3), Mohammed Tahseen Akhtar Hassan (A4), Mohammed Yasin Bhaktal (A5), and Ajaz Sheikh Samar Arman (A6).

The main accused, Riyaz Bhaktal alias Mohammed Riyaz, remains absconding. Another key figure, Indian Mujahideen terrorist Syed Mukhbal, who played a significant role in the bombings, died at Gandhi Hospital last year due to illness.

The twin blasts were executed using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed in tiffin boxes and planted on bicycles. The first explosion occurred at the Dilsukhnagar bus stand, followed just six seconds later by a second blast 100 meters away at the Mirchi Center. The incident caused widespread devastation and deep trauma among the victims and their families.

Brief History of The Bomb Blasts Incident:-

The Telangana High Court Division Bench on Tuesday upheld the death sentences awarded to five convicts in the 2013 Dilsukhnagar twin bomb blasts case. The explosions, which occurred on February 21, 2013, in Hyderabad's bustling Dilsukhnagar area, resulted in the deaths of 18 people and 131 injured.

On the evening of February 21, 2013, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated near a bus stop and a popular snack stall in Dilsukhnagar, causing significant casualties.

The individuals convicted and sentenced to death are:

Asadullah Akhtar alias Haddi, Zia-ur-Rahman alias Waqas, Mohammed Tahseen Akhtar alias Monu, Yasin Bhatkal alias

Mohammed Ahmed Sidibapa and Ajaz Shaikh.

These five individuals were identified as operatives of the banned terrorist organization Indian Mujahideen.

In December 2016, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court convicted the five individuals, deeming the crime as the "rarest of rare," and sentenced them to death.

Following the sentencing, the convicts appealed to the High Court, challenging the trial court's decision. Simultaneously, the NIA sought confirmation of the death sentences from the High Court.

The Telangana High Court on Tuesday, after reviewing the case records and hearing arguments from both sides, upheld the death sentences, affirming the trial court's Special NIA Court judgment.

With the High Court's decision to uphold the death sentences, the convicts have the option to appeal to the Supreme Court of India. Additionally, they may seek clemency from the President of India as a final recourse.

The upholding of the death sentences underscores the severity of the crime and the judiciary's commitment to addressing acts of terrorism with stringent penalties.