Key Points
- All seven accused acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case after 17 years of trial.
- NIA court cited lack of evidence and major investigative lapses; prosecution failed to prove charges beyond reasonable doubt.
- Accused included BJP’s Pragya Singh Thakur, Army officers, and activists; all were present as verdict was read.
- Court highlighted gaps like no proof bomb was on the bike, no forensic chain, no connection to accused.
- Compensation ordered for families of deceased and injured victims.
- Emotional statements from key accused after acquittal; Sadhvi Pragya claims years of torture and stigma.
Mumbai: Seventeen years after a deadly explosion rocked Malegaon, Maharashtra, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on July 31, 2025, acquitted all seven accused including BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit in one of India’s most sensitive terror cases.
What Happened in Malegaon in 2008?
On September 29, 2008, a low-intensity bomb strapped to a Bajaj motorcycle exploded near Bhikku Chowk, a Muslim-majority area in Malegaon, soon after evening prayers during Ramadan. The blast killed six people and injured at least 95, although some reports initially counted over 100 injured.
Years of Complicated Investigation
- Initial Probe: Handled by Maharashtra ATS, who first suspected a Muslim group, but later arrested Sadhvi Pragya, Lt Col Purohit, and others in connection with alleged Hindu extremist outfits.
- Case Shifts to NIA: In 2011, the probe moved to the NIA. The agency later dropped several key charges, including the stringent UAPA sections, due to lack of evidence.
- Key Issues: Prosecution examined 323 witnesses; 34 turned hostile, undermining the case. The trial was prolonged by repeated applications for bail, discharge, and challenges to evidence.
What Did the Court Say?
Special Judge AK Lahoti ruled that while the blast and deaths were proven, the prosecution could not link the accused to the act:
- No credible proof the accused conspired, planted the bomb, or owned the motorcycle used in the blast.
- No fingerprints, forensic chain, or direct evidence tied back to the accused.
- The court cited irregularities and “serious investigative shortcomings,” including manipulations like discrepancies in the number of injured and possible false evidence by earlier investigators.
- Benefit of doubt was extended to all accused, leading to their acquittal from all charges under UAPA, the Arms Act, and the IPC.
The NIA court also ordered compensation of ₹2 lakh each to families of deceased and ₹50,000 to each injured victim.
Who Were the Accused?
- Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (BJP MP, spiritual leader)
- Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit (former Military Intelligence officer)
- Major Ramesh Upadhyay (Retd)
- Ajay Rahirkar
- Sudhakar Dwivedi
- Sudhakar Chaturvedi
- Sameer Kulkarni
Aftermath: Emotional Toll and Reactions
After her acquittal, a visibly emotional Sadhvi Pragya spoke about the years of trauma and social ostracism following her arrest: “I was tortured. My life as a sanyasi was destroyed. I was made an accused, branded a terrorist… but Bhagwa (saffron) has now won”. Lt. Col. Purohit also thanked the court for the “fair opportunity” to serve the nation again.
The Malegaon verdict is a stunning rebuke of year-long investigative lapses and a reminder of the real human cost when justice is delayed and procedural fairness is not upheld. Compensation for victims and families was ordered, but the search for justice continues for many.
