13th May Jaipur Blast: A Tragic Day in India’s History

The 13th May 2008 Jaipur bombings were a series of nine synchronized bomb blasts that occurred in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The attacks resulted in 80 deaths and injured over 216 people, leaving the city in shock and outrage.

The Attack

The bombings took place at various locations in Jaipur, including Tripolia Bazar, Manak Chowk Police Station area, Johari Bazar, and Kotwali area. The blasts were synchronized to inflict maximum casualties, with the first two blasts occurring at Manak Chowk and subsequent blasts blocking exit points and causing panic among the crowd.

Investigation and Aftermath

The investigation into the bombings revealed that the attacks were carried out by the Indian Mujahideen, a little-known terrorist group that claimed responsibility for the attacks via an email sent to Indian media. The police also found evidence linking the suspected bombers to the Bangladesh-based Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) organization.

In the aftermath of the bombings, the Indian government deployed several units of police and paramilitary forces to maintain law and order in the city. A curfew was imposed in parts of Jaipur, and the state government ordered all units of police to maintain extra vigilance across the state.

Convictions and Acquittals

In 2019, four individuals – Mohammed Saif, Mohammed Sarwar Azmi, Saifur Rehman, and Mohammed Salman – were convicted and sentenced to death for their role in the bombings. However, in March 2023, all four were acquitted of the charges by the Rajasthan High Court. In a recent development, on April 8, 2025, a court in Jaipur sentenced four individuals to life imprisonment for their role in the case.¹ ²

Remembering the Victims

The 13th May Jaipur bombings were a tragic reminder of the threat of terrorism in India. As we remember the victims and survivors of the attack, we honor their memory by working towards a more peaceful and secure future.

Today, 17 years after the bombings, the city of Jaipur continues to remember the tragic events of that day.