Jaipur Bomb Blast Accused Sentenced to Life Imprisonment After 16 Years

Jaipur, April 8 A special court in Jaipur has sentenced four accused in the 2008 Jaipur serial bomb blast case to life imprisonment in connection with the live bomb recovered near the Chandpole Hanuman Temple during the attacks. The convicted individuals include Shahbaz Hussain, Mohammad Saif, Saifur Rehman, and Sarwar Azmi. The court also imposed fines on all four convicts.

Special Court Delivers Verdict in Explosives Case

Presiding Judge Ramesh Kumar Joshi, while pronouncing the verdict, remarked that the accused had planted bombs with the intent to terrorize the city, and such acts do not deserve leniency. Despite the gravity of the verdict, the accused were seen smiling and laughing as they exited the courtroom, showing no remorse or regret.

The court found them guilty under several charges including Sections 120B, 121A, 307, and 153A of the IPC, along with Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Prosecution and Defense Arguments

Special Public Prosecutor Sagar Tiwari stated that the accused had planted a live bomb at the Chandpole Hanuman Temple, which was later defused. The prosecution produced 112 witnesses and over 1,200 documents, including testimonies from former ADG A.K. Jain, journalist Prashant Tandon, and bicycle mechanic Dinesh Mahawar.

The defense, led by advocate Minhajul Haq, argued that the facts of the current case mirrored those of the original bomb blast case from which the accused had been acquitted by the High Court in 2023. They sought acquittal on the same grounds.

Background: Acquittal and Re-Arrest

In 2019, the special court had sentenced the same four accused to death in the original Jaipur blast case, while acquitting Shahbaz Hussain. However, the Rajasthan High Court overturned that verdict in 2023, acquitting all four. Following that, a new chargesheet was filed specifically for the live bomb found at Chandpole, leading to the current life sentences.

Timeline of the 2008 Jaipur Bomb Blasts

On May 13, 2008, nine bomb explosions occurred across Jaipur within 16 minutes, killing 71 people and injuring over 180. The blasts targeted busy market areas and places of worship:

• 7:20 PM: First explosion near Hawa Mahal.

• 7:25 PM: Second explosion near Badi Chaupad.

• 7:30 PM: Third blast outside Kotwali Police Station.

• 7:30 PM: Fourth explosion at Tripolia Bazaar.

• 7:30 PM: Fifth and deadliest blast at Chandpole Hanuman Temple 25 killed.

• 7:30 PM: Sixth explosion outside National Handloom, Johri Bazaar.

• 7:35 PM: Seventh blast at Choti Chaupad.

• 7:36 PM: Eighth explosion at Sanganeri Gate Hanuman Temple.

• 9:00 PM: A ninth bomb was found near Shop No. 17 in Chandpole and defused by the bomb squad just 15 minutes before detonation.

Accused Profiles

• Shahbaz Hussain: Arrested on Sept 8, 2008.

• Mohammad Saif: Arrested on Dec 23, 2008.

• Sarwar Azmi: Arrested on Jan 29, 2009.

• Saifur Rehman: Arrested on Apr 23, 2009.

A juvenile was also arrested in 2010 but later tried separately. Additional suspects including Sajid Bada, Shadab, Khalid, Iqbal Bhatkal, and Riyaz Bhatkal remain absconding.