A significant connection has emerged between the 2007 attack on a paramilitary camp in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, and the devastating 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. This link came to light following a recent decision by the Allahabad High Court, which overturned a trial court’s order sentencing five individuals to capital punishment for their involvement in the 2007 CRPF camp assault. The court cited a failure by the prosecution to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The individuals acquitted of murder and injury charges include Mohd Sharif, Sabauddin Ahmad, Imran Shahjad, Mohd. Farooq, and Jang Bahadur Khan. However, the same bench found them guilty under the Arms Act, sentencing them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposing a fine of ₹1 lakh each.
The court’s decision overturns a November 2, 2019 verdict by the Rampur trial court. In that earlier verdict, Ahmad, Sharif, Shahzad, and Farooq were handed the death penalty, while Jang Bahadur Khan received a life sentence. The trial court had also sentenced Fahim Ansari to 10 years in jail for facilitating the plot and possessing illegal arms.
The connection lies with two individuals, Sabauddin Ahmad (50) and Fahim Ansari (49). Both were arrested in February 2008 in connection with the Rampur CRPF camp attack. Subsequently, they were implicated in the 2008 Mumbai attacks for allegedly providing maps of various locations. While Ansari completed his 10-year sentence in the Rampur case in 2019 and was released, having already served over 12 years, Ahmad remains imprisoned in Lucknow jail, serving a life sentence under the Gangsters Act.
Earlier, the Bombay High Court had acquitted both Ahmad and Ansari in the 2008 Mumbai attacks case, stating that more readily available online maps could have been used. This acquittal was later confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2013.
Despite the acquittals in the Mumbai case, Ahmad continues to face legal proceedings related to the Rampur attack. Jail authorities have confirmed he is serving his sentence under the Gangsters Act.