The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday upheld the sentences awarded to all 49 convicts in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, affirming the death penalty for 38 convicts and maintaining life imprisonment for the remaining 11. The court also directed the Gujarat government to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the 56 people who lost their lives and Rs 1 lakh each to the more than 200 victims who were injured in the coordinated terror attack.
The verdict comes nearly 18 years after one of the deadliest terror strikes in Gujarat, reinforcing the trial court's decision in the high-profile case that shook the nation.
The High Court dismissed the appeals filed by the convicts and upheld the punishment awarded by the special court. The court also recognized the immense suffering of the victims and their families by directing compensation for those affected by the devastating attacks.
The judgment marks a significant milestone in the long legal battle surrounding the serial bombings that targeted crowded public places across Ahmedabad.
On July 26, 2008, Ahmedabad witnessed one of the worst terror attacks in its history when 21 serial bomb blasts ripped through 20 locations across the city within approximately 70 minutes. The coordinated explosions triggered widespread panic and chaos.
The attacks claimed the lives of 56 people and left more than 200 others injured. The bombs exploded at busy public locations, including hospitals, marketplaces and other crowded areas, amplifying the scale of devastation.
The Islamic terror outfit Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) had claimed responsibility for the attacks. The investigation eventually led to the arrest and prosecution of several accused linked to the conspiracy.
In addition to upholding the convictions, the Gujarat High Court directed that the families of each of the 56 deceased victims receive Rs 10 lakh in compensation. The court further ordered compensation of Rs 1 lakh for every injured victim, acknowledging the long-term impact of the terror attack on survivors and their families.
Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is continuing its investigation into the November 2025 Red Fort car bomb blast case. During the latest hearing, the agency submitted a forensic report relating to the body parts of those killed in the high-intensity Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) explosion.
According to the NIA, the blast claimed 11 lives, injured several others and caused extensive damage to nearby property.
The agency produced nine accused before Special Judge (NIA) Pitambar Dutt, who extended their judicial custody until the next hearing. The matter has been listed for July 13.
The NIA has already filed a main chargesheet against 10 accused, including Shaheen Saeed and others. A supplementary chargesheet against Zamir Ahmed Ahangar, Tufail Ahmed Bhat and one absconding accused is also pending before the NIA court in Patiala.
Investigators allege that Zamir Ahmed Ahangar and Tufail Ahmed Bhat, who were arrested in February 2026, were involved in collecting arms and ammunition for terrorist activities. The NIA has further alleged that Zamir received a rifle, a pistol and live ammunition from Umar, Irfan and Adil, all of whom are said to be associated with Ansar Ghazawat Ul Hind.
The Delhi Red Fort blast case continues to be under judicial scrutiny as the NIA pursues further prosecution against the accused.
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