Members of Aum Shinrikyo released sarin on crowded commuter trains.
Updated 20 Aug 2026
During the morning rush hour on 20 March 1995, Aum Shinrikyo members carried packets of liquid sarin onto five trains converging on central Tokyo. [1]
The attackers punctured the packets before leaving the trains. Thirteen people died at the time, another later died from complications, and thousands sought medical treatment. [2]
6 sourced milestones
Major events in the case, shown in chronological order.
Aum Shinrikyo members punctured bags of liquid sarin aboard trains converging on central Tokyo during the morning rush hour.
Source: Public Security Intelligence Agency of Japan ↗Police launched large-scale raids on Aum Shinrikyo properties, recovering chemicals and evidence while searching for the group's leaders.
Source: Public Security Intelligence Agency of Japan ↗Police arrested Aum Shinrikyo leader Shoko Asahara after raids and an expanding investigation into the coordinated attack.
Source: Wikipedia ↗A Japanese court convicted Asahara of directing the subway attack and other crimes and imposed a death sentence.
Source: Public Security Intelligence Agency of Japan ↗Police arrested Katsuya Takahashi, the last Aum member still wanted in connection with the attack, ending a seventeen-year fugitive search.
Source: Public Security Intelligence Agency of Japan ↗Japan executed Asahara and twelve other Aum members after the principal criminal proceedings and appeals had concluded.
Source: Wikipedia ↗0 videos
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