High Court Confirms Punishment In One Of India’s Deadliest Terror Cases
The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday affirmed the punishment awarded to all the convicts in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, upholding the death sentences of 38 individuals and maintaining life imprisonment for 11 others. The verdict marks a significant milestone in one of India’s most devastating terror cases.
Along with confirming the sentences, the High Court directed that the families of those killed in the attacks be paid ₹10 lakh each, while every injured victim will receive ₹1 lakh as compensation.
2008 Blasts Left 56 Dead And Hundreds Injured
The serial bombings took place on July 26, 2008, when a series of coordinated explosions ripped through Ahmedabad. A total of 21 blasts at 20 different locations occurred within nearly 70 minutes, creating widespread panic across the city.
The attacks claimed 56 lives and left more than 200 people injured, making it one of the worst terror strikes witnessed in Gujarat.
Investigators had linked the attacks to the banned terrorist outfit Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI), which had claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombings.
Compensation Ordered For Victims
Recognising the suffering endured by the victims and their families, the High Court directed financial assistance for those affected by the blasts. Families of those who lost their lives will receive ₹10 lakh, while injured survivors have been awarded ₹1 lakh each.
The compensation order comes alongside the confirmation of the punishments imposed on all convicted accused.
Separate NIA Investigation Into Red Fort Blast Continues
Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, proceedings are continuing in the November 2025 Red Fort car bomb blast investigation being handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The agency recently submitted a forensic report before the Special NIA Court and produced nine accused, whose judicial custody has been extended until the next hearing. The matter is scheduled to be heard on July 13.
According to the NIA, the high-intensity vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) explosion killed 11 people, injured several others and caused extensive damage.
The agency has already filed its primary charge sheet against multiple accused and has also submitted a supplementary charge sheet against Zamir Ahmed Ahangar, Tufail Ahmed Bhat, and another absconding accused. Investigators have alleged that the accused were involved in collecting arms and ammunition and had links with the terror outfit Ansar Ghazawat Ul Hind.
