New Delhi: National General Secretary of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and senior advocate Syed Jalaluddin has called on the Maharashtra government to compensate the 12 Muslim youth recently acquitted by the Bombay High Court in the 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts case after enduring 19 years of wrongful imprisonment.
Welcoming the court’s decision, Jalaluddin told reporters in Delhi, “This historic judgment once again reinforces people’s faith in the judiciary. Unfortunately, this is not the first time innocent Muslim youth have spent years behind bars for crimes they never committed. The courts remain the last hope when society begins to lose faith.”
He strongly criticised the Maharashtra government’s decision to challenge the acquittal in the Supreme Court, stating, “We are part of the ruling alliance, and I will raise this issue with Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Dada Pawar. We will ensure these youths are compensated and the real culprits are caught.”
Background of the Case
The 7/11 Mumbai Train Blasts, which occurred on 11 July 2006, involved a series of seven coordinated bomb explosions on the suburban Western Railway network during evening peak hours, killing 209 people and injuring over 700.
Following the blasts, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested several young men, mostly from the Muslim community, alleging their involvement in the conspiracy. Over the years, serious questions were raised regarding the investigation, with many human rights activists and lawyers claiming that these men were falsely implicated.
After nearly two decades, the Bombay High Court, in its landmark judgment, overturned the convictions, citing insufficient evidence and procedural lapses. The acquittals have reignited demands for compensation and accountability for wrongful prosecution.
Focus on Minority Education
Jalaluddin said that Muslim students will be provided educational benefits equivalent to those offered to SC/ST communities. “The Maulana Azad Foundation’s budget has been increased from ₹100 crore to ₹1,000 crore, and an additional ₹500 crore has been requested from the Centre. We want to ensure minority students can pursue higher education and contribute to the nation’s growth,” he stated.
Ajit Pawar’s Stand on Bulldozer Politics
Calling Ajit Pawar a “secular and fair leader,” Jalaluddin praised his stance against bulldozer politics. “Maharashtra is not UP or Bihar. Ajit Dada acted promptly to halt such measures. He also took immediate steps when certain elements tried to spread hatred against minorities,” he said.
Support for Urdu and Palestine
Jalaluddin revealed that the Urdu Academy’s budget is being raised from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore and that efforts are ongoing to bring it under the Department of Arts and Culture to promote Urdu as a national cultural language.
Condemning the ongoing violence in Gaza, he said, “We strongly oppose the atrocities being committed there. The Government of India should use diplomatic channels to support the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.”
Speaking on alliances, Jalaluddin remarked, “When Congress can ally with Shiv Sena, despite its past stand on Babri Masjid, it’s clear that the old communal versus secular debates are irrelevant today. We will continue to raise minority issues strongly, and Ajit Dada’s secular credentials are beyond doubt.”