Seventeen years ago, they came for Abdul Wahid Shaikh when he was in the middle of his English class as a 27-year-old teacher. Nine long years later, Shaikh stood as the only person acquitted in the 7/11 train bombings trial. On Wednesday, the knock came again. This time at his home. At 5 am. When his wife and child, who he said was unwell, were asleep.

Shaikh, who following his acquittal has been working as a prisoners' rights activist, refused to open the door, asking the men outside his door to come back later, or at the least, show him documents warranting a search.