'2006 Mumbai train blasts were executed with precision': A look at the role of convicts in the case

Mumbai: From arranging logistics for carrying out the 11 July, 2006 train bombings to conducting recce of suburban trains, the accused had the task cut out for them to precision, as per the chargesheet filed by Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Nine years after seven RDX bombs ripped through as many local trains, killing 189 people and injuring over 800, special judge Yatin D Shinde on Wednesday pronounced capital punishment for Kamal Ahamed Ansari (37), Mohammed Faisal Shaikh (36), Ehtesham Siddiqui (30), Naveed Hussain Khan (30) and Asif Khan (38), all of them bomb planters. The remaining seven, who were given life imprisonment, are Tanvir Ahmed Ansari (37), Mohammad Majid Shafi (32), Shaikh Alam Shaikh (41), Mohd Sajid Ansari (34), Muzzammil Shaikh (27), Soheil Mehmood Shaikh (43) and Zamir Ahmad Shaikh (36). [caption id=“attachment_2450498” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Image courtesy: Reuters[/caption] As per the chargesheet filed in 2006, Kamal Ahamed Ansari transported Pakistani nationals to Mumbai via Nepal border, procured explosives, attended training in Pakistan and also planted a bomb in a local train, which exploded at Matunga railway station on the fateful day. On the role played by Mohd Faisal Shaikh, the ATS said he not only went to Pakistan twice for training, but had also sent youths to that country for training purpose. He had also attended conspiracy meetings besides giving shelter to Pakistani nationals. Shaikh received money through hawala route. He also planted a bomb in a suburban train, which exploded in Jogeshwari. Ehtesham Kutubuddin Siddiqui was the joint secretary of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for Maharashtra at the time of the bombings. Besides attending conspiracy meetings, Siddiqui also conducted reconnaissance of local trains. He was also present when bombs were made. He planted an explosive in a local train, which exploded at Mira Road station. According to ATS, Muzammil Shaikh, Sohail Mehmood Shaikh, Zamir Ahmed Shaikh and Naveed Hussain Khan attended conspiracy meetings and also surveyed local trains, while Naveed planted a bomb in a train, which exploded at Khar station. The chargesheet said that Asif Khan had procured explosive material and planted a bomb, which exploded at Borivali station. Tanvir Ahmed, who also underwent training in Pakistan, attended conspiracy meetings to carry out blasts. He was also present at the time of assembling bombs at suburban Govandi, the chargesheet stated. The chargesheet said Mohammed Majid Shafi had arranged for transportation of Pakistani nationals to Mumbai via Bangladesh border and back after blasts. It said that Shaikh Alam provided his house in Govandi for making bombs, while Mohammed Sajid Ansari assembled electric circuit, which was used to trigger bombs. Thirteen Pakistani nationals, who also played active role in the blasts are still absconding. PTI