Mumbai tanker blast victim gets justice after 11-year legal battle

Long wait for verdict ends

Eleven years after a tanker blast ripped through a Mumbai neighbourhood, a local court has convicted five people for their roles in the incident. The explosion, which occurred in 2015, killed one person and left several others injured.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, bringing a measure of closure to the victim's family who had been seeking justice for over a decade. The court found the accused guilty of charges related to negligence that led to the blast.

What happened in 2015

The tanker, carrying a hazardous chemical, exploded in a residential area. The blast was so powerful that it damaged nearby buildings and vehicles. One person died on the spot, while many others were hurt.

Residents had complained about the tanker being parked in a crowded area without proper safety measures. The prosecution argued that the accused failed to follow basic safety protocols, leading to the tragedy.

Conviction and sentence

The five convicted individuals include the tanker owner, driver, and three others involved in the transport and storage of the chemical. The court is expected to pronounce the sentence later this week.

Legal experts say the case took 11 years due to multiple delays in the trial, including the absence of witnesses and procedural adjournments. The victim's family had been pushing for a speedy trial.

"We have finally got justice after 11 years. It has been a long and painful wait," a family member told reporters outside the court. They added that they hope the sentence will serve as a deterrent for others who flout safety norms.

What happens next

The court will hear arguments on the quantum of punishment before pronouncing the sentence. The convicted individuals face up to 10 years in prison under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act.