Resumption of 26/11 Terror Attack Trial Against Abu Jundal

Trial Resumes After Seven Years

Mumbai, Nov 3: The long-delayed trial concerning the 26/11 terror attacks, involving alleged mastermind Abu Jundal, is poised to restart after a seven-year hiatus. The Bombay High Court has overturned a previous lower court ruling that mandated the release of confidential documents to the accused.

A bench led by Justice R N Laddha approved the petition submitted by the Delhi Police, along with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs, which contested the trial court's 2018 directive to provide these documents to Jundal.

Since 2018, the trial against Zabiuddin Ansari, also known as Abu Jundal, who is accused of orchestrating the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, had been suspended.

The Special Cell of the Delhi Police asserts that Jundal was apprehended near the airport in Delhi, while he claims he was arrested in Saudi Arabia and subsequently deported to India.

To substantiate his assertion, he had requested specific documents from a special court in Mumbai. In 2018, the trial court had ordered the authorities to supply these documents.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, argued for the annulment of the trial court's order, stating it was legally flawed.

On Monday, the High Court granted the petition and nullified the special court's ruling.

On the night of November 26, 2008, ten armed terrorists from Pakistan executed a series of attacks across Mumbai after infiltrating the city via the Arabian Sea, resulting in the deaths of 166 individuals, including foreign nationals.

Investigators have indicated that Jundal was instrumental as a handler for the terrorists, one of whom, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive.

Kasab was found guilty and sentenced to death by a special court in 2010, ultimately being executed in Pune's Yerwada Jail in November 2012.