A 62-year-old undertrial prisoner, Abdul Qadir, who had spent nearly 17 years in jail in connection with the 2008 Bengaluru serial bomb blasts case, died at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail on Friday, just weeks before the court was expected to deliver its final verdict.
Qadir, a resident of Karnataka’s Kodagu district, was arrested as the 31st accused in the 2008 bomb blasts case and had remained behind bars since his arrest. His death comes at a critical stage in the long-pending case, as the trial and final arguments had already been completed and the judgment was reportedly nearing completion.
Supreme Court Had Set Deadline for Verdict
According to Qadir’s lawyer, Advocate Rahman Irikkur, the Supreme Court had earlier directed the trial court to pronounce its verdict within four months. The deadline under the order was reportedly set for July 16.
Irikkur said Qadir had hoped to finally receive justice after waiting for years in prison.
“The Supreme Court had directed the lower court to deliver the judgment within a fixed time. Abdul Qadir was waiting with hope that after such a long incarceration, justice would finally come,” the lawyer said.
The lawyer added that if the judgment was not delivered within the prescribed timeline, the accused could become eligible for bail.
Lawyer Alleges Medical Negligence
Qadir had reportedly been suffering from severe diabetes and multiple related health complications for several years. In recent months, his condition had worsened significantly, leaving him dependent on a wheelchair.
Advocate Irikkur alleged that repeated pleas for medical bail and better treatment were ignored despite Qadir’s deteriorating health.
“We repeatedly sought medical bail and proper treatment due to his worsening condition, but those requests were not adequately considered,” he claimed.
The lawyer also alleged that a prison doctor had issued a written warning a day before Qadir’s death, stating that he required urgent specialised medical attention.
“The prison doctor reportedly warned in writing that Abdul Qadir was in a critical condition and needed immediate treatment. It was also stated that the prison administration would be responsible for any untoward incident,” Irikkur said.
According to the lawyer, despite the warning, Qadir was allegedly not shifted to a better-equipped hospital in time.
Case Pending for Nearly Two Decades
The 2008 Bengaluru serial bomb blasts case has remained pending for almost 17 years, with several accused spending long periods in custody as undertrials. Qadir’s death has once again raised concerns over prolonged incarceration, delayed trials, and access to healthcare for prisoners, particularly elderly inmates facing serious medical conditions.
