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Compensation Demand from Human Rights Commissions

Dr. Wahid Din Mohammad Sheikh, who spent nine years in prison for the 2006 Mumbai serial train bombings, is now seeking ₹9 crore in compensation from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC), and the National Minority Commission (NMC). The bombings, which occurred during peak hours, involved seven explosions across suburban local trains within an 11-minute span, resulting in the deaths of 187 individuals and injuring over 800 others. In connection with these attacks, thirteen people were arrested and faced prosecution.

Court Rulings and Personal Impact

After extensive hearings, a special court acquitted Sheikh, while the other twelve defendants received either the death penalty or life imprisonment. An appeal was filed in the Bombay High Court, which led to the acquittal of all twelve defendants in July of this year. Now 46 years old, Sheikh recounted his ordeal, stating that at the age of 28 in 2006, he was falsely implicated in the 7/11 bombings under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). He remained incarcerated for nine years until he was exonerated on September 11, 2015, by Judge Yatin D. Shinde, who found no evidence against him. Although he was released, Sheikh expressed that the years lost, the humiliation endured, and the suffering experienced by his family can never be compensated.

Effects of Imprisonment on Personal Life

Sheikh elaborated on the profound effects of his imprisonment on his personal and family life. He lamented losing crucial years of his youth, freedom, and dignity during that time. He reported being brutally tortured while in custody, which led to health issues such as glaucoma and chronic pain. During his incarceration, his father passed away, his mother's mental health deteriorated, and his wife struggled alone to raise their children.

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