Remembering 2011 Mumbai Bomb Blasts That Still Echos In City After 14 Years

Mumbai: On this day 14 years ago, July 13, 2011, a sequence of coordinated bomb explosions devastated Mumbai, registering as one of the most lethal events in the city’s past.

The initial explosion took place at 6:54 p.m. in the lively Zaveri Bazaar, a crowded jewelry marketplace in South Mumbai. Moments later, at 6:55 p.m., a second explosion occurred close to the Opera House on Charni Road, a bustling center for diamond merchants. The last explosion occurred at 7:06 p.m. at the Kabutar Khana bus stand in Dadar West, surprising both commuters and bystanders.

The assaults resulted in 26 fatalities and around 130 injuries, placing immense strain on local hospitals and emergency responders. The explosives were recognized as improvised explosive devices made with ammonium nitrate and activated by digital timers connected to cell phones.

Inquiries conducted by the National Investigation Agency and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad quickly indicated the participation of the Indian Mujahideen.

Officials utilized CCTV images and forensic investigations to identify suspects, revealing a web linking local agents to broader terrorist networks.

The synchronized nature of the explosions revealed major weaknesses in the city's security measures, resulting in prompt improvements in monitoring and communication systems.