2006 Train Blasts: Detailed Look at the Accused - previously convicted and now acquitted

In a stunning verdict, the Bombay High Court on July 21, 2025, acquitted 12 individuals arrested in connection with the July 11, 2006, Mumbai serial train blasts, overturning their prior convictions. The prosecution had alleged the accused were members of the banned Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and played roles in the devastating attacks that rocked Mumbai’s suburban trains, killing over 180 people and injuring hundreds.

Below is a detailed look at the accused, previously convicted and now acquitted, who were either sentenced to death or life imprisonment:

Accused Previously on Death Row

Kamal Ahmed Ansari (deceased, 2021): A 50-year-old from Madhubani, Bihar, Ansari was accused of receiving arms training in Pakistan and planting a bomb at Matunga station.
Mohammed Faisal Rahman Shaikh, 50: A Mira Road resident, Shaikh was labeled a main conspirator, allegedly receiving funds from Pakistan, assembling bombs, and planting one on a train.
Ehtesham Siddiqui, 42: Accused of conducting reconnaissance of Mumbai’s trains and planting a bomb at Mira-Bhayandar station.
Naveed Hussain Khan Rasheed, 44: A Secunderabad resident and former call center employee, Rasheed was charged with assembling bombs and planting one at Bandra.
Asif Khan Bashir Khan, 52: A civil engineer from Jalgaon, Khan was accused of bomb assembly and planting one at Borivali, besides being a key SIMI member.

Accused Previously Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

Tanveer Ahmed Ansari, 50: A Mumbai Agripada resident, convicted for attending terror camps in Pakistan and scouting trains.
Mohammed Shafi, 46: Accused of operating a hawala racket to fund the blasts with money from Pakistan.
Shaikh Mohammed Ali Alam, 55: Charged with assembling bombs at his Govandi home with Pakistani nationals and being a SIMI member.
Mohammed Sajid Ansari, 47: A Mira Road resident, accused of procuring bomb timers, aiding assembly, and sheltering Pakistani nationals.
Muzammil Rahman Shaikh, 40: A software engineer, allegedly trained in Pakistan and conducted train reconnaissance. His brothers, Faisal and Raahil, remain at large as alleged masterminds.
Suhail Mehmood Shaikh, 55: Accused of arms training in Pakistan and scouting target trains.
Zameer Rehman Shaikh, 50: Charged with attending conspiracy meetings and receiving training in Pakistan.

The High Court’s decision has sparked debate, with the prosecution’s claims of SIMI involvement and terror links now under scrutiny. The acquittal marks a significant turn in one of Mumbai’s most high-profile terror cases, raising questions about evidence and justice nearly two decades later.

Also Read: Bombay HC Frees All 12 in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts Case