The Telangana High Court has 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 injuries to 131 others.
Case Background
Incident Details: 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.
Convicts: The individuals convicted and sentenced to death are: 1. Mohammed Ahmed Sidibapa alias Yasin Bhatkal. 2. Asadullah Akhtar alias Haddi 3. Zia-ur-Rahman alias Waqas 4. Mohammed Tahseen Akhtar alias Monu 5. Ajaz Shaikh. These individuals were identified as operatives of the banned terrorist organization Indian Mujahideen.
Legal Proceedings
Trial Court Verdict: 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. Appeals: 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.
Latest
The Telangana High Court, after reviewing the case records and hearing arguments from both sides, upheld the death sentences, affirming the trial court’s judgment.*Current Status:*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.
