Ahmedabad, July 7 (IANS) Declaring that there is “absolutely no place for terrorism and anti-national activities on the soil of India”, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Tuesday described the Gujarat High Court’s verdict upholding the death sentences of 38 convicts in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case as a “historic victory” in the country’s fight against terrorism.
Addressing the media from GIFT City in Gandhinagar after the judgment, Sanghavi said the verdict was significant not only for Gujarat but also for the entire country and peace-loving nations across the world.
“There is no place for terrorism in Gujarat or India. This strong verdict will prove to be a landmark in the country’s history,” he said.
Calling it a major legal victory against terrorism, Sanghavi said the High Court had upheld the trial court’s award of the death penalty to 38 terrorists and life imprisonment to 11 others.
“The High Court’s verdict in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blast case is a historic victory in the fight against terrorism. It is not only important for Ahmedabad or Gujarat but also sends a strong and powerful message in the fight against terrorism to the entire country and all peace-loving nations across the world,” he said.
Referring to the serial blasts of July 26, 2008, Sanghavi said many innocent people had lost their lives in the coordinated attacks and that the judgment had delivered justice to the victims and their families.
“Today, true justice has been delivered to all those innocent souls, their families and the citizens. By upholding the lower court’s judgment, the Honourable Gujarat High Court has confirmed the death sentence and life imprisonment, making it one of the most significant judgments in the country’s fight against terrorism,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister thanked the Gujarat High Court, the trial court and the investigating agencies for pursuing the case over several years.
“On behalf of the people of Gujarat, I express heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable High Court, the trial court and the entire investigation team. The investigators worked tirelessly for years without any legal lapses or compromises, day and night, to ensure justice. Their efforts deserve appreciation,” he said.
Sanghavi also said the Gujarat government would immediately implement the High Court’s directions on compensation.
He said the government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel would provide financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the blasts and Rs 5 lakh to victims who suffered grievous injuries without delay.
“The government will implement the High Court’s directions with immediate effect in a sensitive manner. We will always stand by the affected families,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the High Court upheld the February 2022 judgment of the special court, confirming the death sentences awarded to 38 convicts and life imprisonment for 11 others in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case.
The High Court also ordered compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those killed, Rs 5 lakh for victims who suffered grievous injuries and Rs 1 lakh for those who sustained simple injuries.
The incident took place when 21 bombs exploded across Ahmedabad within about 70 minutes, targeting buses, crowded public places and hospitals treating the injured.
The attacks claimed 56 lives and left more than 200 people injured.
–IANS
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