Abdul Karim Tunda: From Infamous Bomb Mastermind to Acquittal in 1993 Blasts

Abdul Karim Tunda: From Infamous Bomb Mastermind to Acquittal in 1993 Blasts

Abdul Karim Tunda, a notorious figure in the realm of terrorism, particularly linked with the terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba, has been in the spotlight for his alleged involvement in orchestrating more than 40 bombings in India. 

Tunda gained his infamous nickname after a tragic accident resulted in the loss of his left hand while he was reportedly assembling a bomb. His name had been on India's most wanted list until his apprehension in 2013 near the India-Nepal border, marking a significant moment in the fight against terrorism. 

Tunda found himself at the center of the 1993 serial bomb blasts case, where multiple explosions rocked 5 trains across India to coincide with the first anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya. 

Despite being the prime accused in this heinous act, a TADA court in Ajmer acquitted him on February 29, 2024, citing a lack of substantial evidence. This development raised eyebrows and sparked debates on the efficacy of the legal system in delivering justice in such complex cases. 

The aftermath of the 1993 serial bomb blasts left a devastating toll on India, with 257 lives lost and over 700 individuals sustaining severe injuries. This tragic event etched a somber chapter in the nation's history, serving as a stark reminder of the destructive impact of terrorism. 

Abdul Karim Tunda's arrest in 2013 near the India-Nepal border by the special cell of Delhi Police, culminating in the recovery of a Pakistani passport under a different name, marked a crucial milestone in his evasion from Indian authorities. 

As Tunda continues to serve a life sentence for his involvement in the 1996 Sonepat blast case, his journey from being a bomb mastermind to facing acquittal in the 1993 blasts case remains a complex and contentious narrative in the fight against terrorism.