'We Lost 19 Years': Acquitted Mumbai Train Blast Accused Begin Life Anew, Families Seek Justice And Compensation

The verdict by the Bombay high court brings a huge relief to the families of all those who were convicted for their alleged role in the July 11, 2006 serial train blasts. For now, the larger question is to start the life from zero as they come out after almost 19 years in prison, while some are already contemplating to seek compensation for their suffering.

Sajid Ansari, resident of Mira Road, one of the convicts who was awarded death sentence said that, “I trusted the police officers to be fair and suffered for nineteen years. My wife was pregnant and delivered a daughter three months after my arrest. I could not be with her at all.”

Ansari was on parole for forty days to be with the family, when the verdict came. The prosecution had claimed that, electric circuit made by him was used in the bomb blast.

Recounting the circumstances of his arrest Ansari said, “I had two previous cases on me registered in around 2001. So whenever there was any such terror attack, they would call me for inquiry and I always cooperated. This time too they did so, and I went to join the probe.”

“I had no knowledge of the law but trusted them that this time also they would record my statement and leave me after the probe,” Ansari, who was into mobile repairing, said adding that, “They wanted a man to show that the electronic circuits were used for bomb making and I fit perfectly into their definition, which is why to implicated me.”

“I have lost 19 years of my life and now I am far behind. I don’t think anyone will give me a job. I was into mobile repairs but now the technology has completely changed with smart phones. I don’t even know how to operate them. I will now sit back and have to start from zero,” Ansari said, adding that for now he will spend some time with his wife and his 19-year-old daughter.

Maqsood Ansari, elder brother of Dr Tanveer Ansari, who too was awarded capital punishment said that, “The family is much relieved and they are very thankful of the judiciary, the support they received from Jamiat Ulama E Maharashtra. From the first day we had been claiming that Tanveer was falsely implicated and was innocent. Finally, after 19 years the truth has come out.”

Dr Tanveer was alleged to have obtained arms training in Pakistan and was part of a conspiracy meeting and was also present when the bombs were being allegedly made. Maqsood further said that the family has suffered a lot due to Tanveer’s absence and his incarceration. “His wife had delivered a daughter just six months after his arrest. The girl in spite of all the troubles studied well and is now pursuing his further education in the field of medicines and aims to be a doctor. His wife was just a homemaker but with our family and father of his wife, they managed to help Tanveer’s daughter pursue her education. It was tough but now everything will be fine,” Maqsood said with great relief.

Meanwhile, Anis Khan, brother of Asif Khan, who too was awarded capital punishment for allegedly having planted the explosives which exploded at Borivali station, “they will definitely move high court seeking compensation from the state as the case has destroyed not only Asif’s prime years but our family too suffered a lot.”

“His wife, just by sewing , managed to support the education of three of their children who were very young when Asif was arrested. One of their kids is pursuing graduation in the medical field while another is pursuing engineering. The verdict does bring a lot of joy and a relief but who will return those nineteen years and the pain that family went through,” Anis said.

Kamal Ansari’s elder son Abdulla said that his family will never get what they lost. Ansari, another convict who was sentenced to death penalty, died in prison during covid. “My father is gone to see this day. We will now consult our lawyers and move court for compensation,” Abdulla said, who had to drop out from studies to support their family.

Kamal was accused of having brought the Pakistani nationals from the Nepal border to Mumbai. He was also accused to have procured explosive materials and allegedly planted a bomb which exploded at Matunga railway station. Abdulla said that they are four siblings, out of which three had dropped out after 12th and took up a job to survive and support the family, while only the younger brother is pursuing further studies.