Malegaon Blast Case Verdict: In a major development in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused, including BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit. The court ruled that mere suspicion does not amount to sufficient evidence for conviction.
Tragic Incident That Shook Malegaon
On September 29, 2008, Malegaon—a communally sensitive town in Maharashtra—witnessed a horrific explosion near Bhikku Chowk, adjacent to a mosque. An explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated, killing six people and injuring 101 others. The attack sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted a high-profile investigation.
11 Accused Initially, Charges Framed Against 7
Originally, 11 individuals were named in the case. However, the court eventually framed charges against only seven, including Pragya Thakur and Lt Col Purohit. All seven accused were present in court when the verdict was delivered on Wednesday.
NIA Court Cites Lack of Conclusive Evidence
The special NIA court stated that the prosecution failed to conclusively prove the charges against the accused. Judge A. K. Lahoti, who presided over the case, emphasized that suspicion, no matter how strong, cannot be the foundation of a criminal conviction.
“Suspicion cannot be a ground for conviction. The prosecution failed to present credible, admissible, and consistent evidence,” the court observed.
Timeline of the Malegaon Blast Case
- 2008: Blast kills 6, injures 101 in Malegaon.
- 2009: ATS arrests several accused, including Pragya Thakur and Lt Col Purohit.
- 2011: NIA takes over the investigation from ATS.
- 2016: NIA drops charges under MCOCA but retains UAPA charges.
- 2017: Bombay High Court grants bail to Pragya Thakur.
- 2018–2023: Examination of over 300 witnesses.
- April 19, 2025: Verdict reserved.
- July 31, 2025: Acquittal of all seven accused.
Political and Social Reactions
The verdict has sparked diverse reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters of the accused hailed the judgment as long-overdue justice, while several opposition leaders expressed concerns over the handling of the investigation and trial.
BJP MP Pragya Thakur, speaking to the media after the verdict, said,
“Truth has triumphed. I have suffered for 17 years, but today I feel vindicated.”
Lt Col Purohit, who had spent nearly nine years in jail before getting bail in 2017, maintained that he was framed in a politically motivated conspiracy.
Victims’ Families Await Closure
While the accused walk free, families of the victims continue to grapple with the loss and absence of justice. “We want justice, not politics,” said a survivor’s relative, expressing disappointment over the outcome.
Legal Experts React
Legal analysts noted that the court’s emphasis on the principle of ‘proof beyond reasonable doubt’ highlights the importance of thorough and evidence-backed investigations in terror cases.
What Lies Ahead?
Although the verdict marks a conclusion in the special NIA court, the prosecution may challenge the decision in a higher court. The NIA has not yet announced whether it will appeal the ruling.
The Malegaon blast case has been one of India’s most politically sensitive and prolonged terror trials. With the acquittal of all accused, questions now arise over the quality of the investigation, the evidence presented, and the legal process that spanned nearly 17 years. Whether this verdict brings closure or raises new challenges remains to be seen.