2013 Patna Serial Blasts: HC Commutes 4 Convicts' Death Sentence to 30 Years in Jail

Patna: The Patna High Court on Wednesday reduced the death penalties for four convicts in the 2013 Patna serial blasts case to 30 years of imprisonment. The explosions, which targeted a rally of then- Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi , left six dead and several others injured.

A division bench led by Justice Ashutosh Kumar also upheld the life sentences given to two other convicts in the case. These sentences were initially passed by a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court.

NIA Prosecutor's Statement

NIA special public prosecutor Manoj Kumar Singh confirmed the court's decision. “The division bench commuted the death sentences of Haider Ali, Noman Ansari, Mohd Mujibullah Ansari, and Imtiyaz Alam, all convicted for the 2013 blasts,” he said. Two more convicts, Umar Siddiqui and Azharuddin Qureishi, had their life terms upheld.

In November 2021, a special NIA court had sentenced four out of nine accused to death for their role in the attacks, while two were sentenced to life imprisonment. Another two convicts were handed 10-year jail terms, and one was sentenced to seven years.

2013 Patna Blasts

The bombings occurred during Modi's "hunkar" rally at Gandhi Maidan. The first explosion hit Patna Railway Station, followed by five more around the rally venue. Six people died, and many others were injured in the attacks, which occurred before Modi's arrival.

(With PTI inputs)