Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA :
Advocate Faiz Syed leads new regional initiative inspired by Abdul Wahid Shaikh’s movement for justice and reform.
On 28th September, the Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) chapter of the Innocence Network, India was formally established, with an ad-hoc committee of 14 advocates led by Advocate Faiz Syed.
Speaking to Muslim Mirror, Syed said, “We felt the urgent need to start this chapter due to the widespread issues of wrongful incarceration, false implication, filing of bogus cases, and arbitrary arrests across the country. When a sole breadwinner or a poor individual is drawn into this legal labyrinth, it becomes incredibly difficult for them to navigate their freedom.”
He added, “Our aim is to provide legal aid and guidance across the Marathwada region and ensure that no instance of wrongful implication goes unchallenged.”
The Innocence Network was founded by Abdul Wahid Shaikh, one of the accused in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings (7/11 case), following his acquittal by the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in 2015. Shaikh spent nine years in Arthur Road Jail before being acquitted. “We had fought the case to the best of everyone’s ability,” he recalled. “Yet, we were convicted. That experience made me question the limits of legal struggle alone.”
As he was released, Shaikh’s co-accused urged him to continue the fight for their freedom—a moral responsibility that, he says, became his life’s mission. After returning to work as a teacher, Shaikh began assisting Advocate Yug Mohit Chaudhry, who led the 7/11 defense in the Bombay High Court. It was during this time that he met Advocate Pari Jata and researcher Sharib Ali, both deeply involved in civil rights work.
Inspired by the global Innocence Network movement, Ali proposed launching an Indian chapter. Together, they began mobilizing civil society to challenge wrongful convictions, especially in terrorism cases. Their first public gathering in Delhi—attended by lawyers, students, scholars, and activists—marked the formal establishment of the Innocence Network India.
The Network describes itself as “an all-India collective of individuals and organisations working for the rights of those wrongfully prosecuted or convicted, especially under charges of terrorism.” Led by exonerees and supported by lawyers, researchers, and civil rights groups, it focuses on criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and policy advocacy. Its website also archives documents related to the 7/11 case.
Shaikh’s first book, “Innocent Prisoners,” exposed what he described as fabricated evidence by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in framing 13 innocent men. The book was widely discussed as a crucial work highlighting the pattern of false implication of young Muslims in terrorism cases.
In 2016, the Network organized its first Innocent People’s Tribunal at the Constitution Club of India, where 16 wrongfully prosecuted individuals testified publicly about their ordeal. The report from this tribunal later informed the Law Commission’s Report No. 277. Another tribunal followed in Kolkata in 2018.
Since 2017, the Network has hosted two annual programs in Mumbai—one on the anniversary of the 7/11 bombings and another, the Shahid Azmi Memorial Lecture, in memory of the lawyer who represented the 7/11 accused. These events feature legal experts, journalists, and filmmakers such as Justice Abhay Thipsay, Hansal Mehta, Yug Mohit Chaudhry, Susan, Nazia Sayed, and Faisal Qazi, among others.
Shaikh has also used books, media, and digital platforms to expand his advocacy. His YouTube channel “Begunah Qaidi” features over 250 videos documenting cases of wrongful incarceration. His “Mobile Legal Aid” helpline operates 24×7, offering immediate support to those facing fabricated charges. “It has already helped prevent several cases of wrongful incarceration,” he noted.
Beyond advocacy, Shaikh continues to assist exonerees with legal representation, education, and rehabilitation. His upcoming books include an autobiography with Roli Books and a collaborative work profiling his co-accused.
Recently, the Innocence Network launched a think-tank to document wrongful incarcerations and misuse of draconian laws. “Our team includes researchers, professors, and lawyers,” Shaikh said, adding that a detailed report is in progress.
Sohail Shaikh, one of the 7/11 exonerees, told Muslim Mirror: “The Innocence Network may have been formally established in 2016, but its roots go back to Arthur Road Jail. Shaikh has only continued the work we all started in prison. The Network’s work made it possible for society to finally recognize our innocence.”
Advocate Shruti, a researcher with the network, emphasized, “The kind of miscarriage of justice in the 7/11 case represents a double injustice—innocent people are tortured while real perpetrators remain free. The Network’s work is vital to restoring ordinary citizens’ faith in justice.”
Shaikh revealed that new chapters of the Innocence Network are being planned in Bangalore, Jalgaon, Jalna, and Hyderabad, set to be launched later this month.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Human Rights> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Osama Rawal / October 20th, 2025
