Nearly 18 years after the Mumbai terror attacks, Indian authorities have initiated proceedings to try six Pakistani nationals accused of conspiring and orchestrating the 26/11 attacks, including Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed.
The Mumbai Police began the legal process on Monday to conduct the trial in absentia, as all six accused are currently in Pakistan and have not appeared before an Indian court. The move marks a significant step in India's efforts to bring those accused of masterminding the 2008 attacks to justice despite their absence from the country.
The six accused are Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Sajid Mir, along with Abu Al-Qama, Asim alias Abu Qahafa and Major Abdul Rehman Pasha.
Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam is expected to submit a proclamation report before the court, formally seeking proceedings against the accused who have been evading the Indian judicial process.
The in-absentia proceedings allow the Indian judicial system to examine the allegations and evidence against the accused even though they remain outside the country's jurisdiction.
Also read: Non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed over Pahalgam attack
26/11 attack killed 166
The proceedings relate to the November 26, 2008, Mumbai attacks, when 10 terrorists entered the city by sea and launched coordinated assaults at several locations over four days.
The attacks targeted prominent sites including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Leopold Cafe and Nariman House. A total of 166 people were killed and around 300 injured in the assault.
The attacks led to major changes in India's coastal security, intelligence coordination and counter-terrorism mechanisms.
Saeed, Lakhvi and Mir have long been accused of playing key roles in the planning and execution of the attacks. However, the accused remain in Pakistan and have not been handed over to Indian authorities.
The latest proceedings come amid renewed efforts by Indian agencies to pursue individuals linked to major terror attacks from across the border. Earlier in July, a Jammu court issued a non-bailable warrant against Saeed in connection with the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.
If convicted in the 26/11 case, the six accused could be sentenced under Indian law if and when they are brought before Indian authorities.
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