
Blast survivors still hopeful guilty will be punished by apex court
MUMBAI: Reacting to the
Supreme Court
stay on the HC judgment acquitting all 12 accused, several survivors of the 11/7 train blasts said they still hoped that the guilty would be punished and that, if the 12 men were really not guilty, the real culprits would be found.
Others, wearied over nearly two decades of an emotional rollercoaster ride, chose silence. The prospect of another legal battle daunted them.
It was Pravin Varma's birthday on July 11, 2006, when he fell victim to the terror attack. The brave graphic designer endured years of treatment. He said, "We were very disappointed to hear about the HC verdict. I hope SC gives a better judgement and punishes those who are guilty.
One Pakistani was accused of being a mastermind of these blasts. Are there no links to him here in Mumbai? Plus 20 years is an awfully long time for even this judgment.
We are really sorry about what state is in India now."
Chartered accountant Chirag Chauhan had suffered serious injuries to his spine which left his lower body paralysed. He has since been wheelchair-bound. He said, "From what I have read in the news, SC's emphasis is on the HC judgment not being used as a precedent.
I believe the SC might review the HC judgement subsequently. I have some hope from the SC for justice."
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Artist Mahendra Pitale, who was maimed, now uses a bionic arm. He said, "I felt some hope after learning about the SC order. I hope the authorities go through the evidence thoroughly and convict the real perpetrators in order to send a strong message. If the arrested accused are innocent, it means the real perpetrators are still roaming the streets of Mumbai scot-free.
There is a possibility they could be part of another sinister plan.
Acquittals will only embolden other attackers," Pitale said.
Subhash Saboo, who lost his father Nathmal, said, "With the SC staying the HC ruling and hearing the state's appeal, we are hopeful justice will be served to all the victims like my family and the guilty will get punished."
Another survivor Hansraj Kanojiya said, "The perpetrators should be punished as soon as possible. This case should not drag for a long time in the SC. The administration knows who the actual criminal is. We hope for a positive result." Some other families have closed themselves off, unwilling to share their grief any longer.

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