All Accused, Including Pragya Thakur, Acquitted in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case
A special NIA court in Mumbai has acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit. The court cited a lack of "reliable and cogent evidence" for the verdict, nearly 17 years after the attack killed six people and injured over 100. The judgment has sparked political debate, with the BJP hailing it as a refutation of the "saffron terror" narrative, while opposition parties have questioned the investigation.
Unpacked:
The prosecution's main evidence included the motorcycle used in the blast (allegedly linked to Pragya Singh Thakur) and statements about ties to the group Abhinav Bharat. The court found these insufficient, citing a lack of reliable and cogent evidence, and emphasized that terrorism cannot be judged on perception alone, requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt.
The case was delayed by complex investigations, frequent changes in investigative agencies, and legal challenges. The deaths of key investigators, such as ATS chief Hemant Karkare during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the political sensitivities surrounding the case, also contributed to the lengthy judicial process.
The 'saffron terror' narrative refers to allegations of terrorism involving Hindu nationalist groups. This case was the first in India where members of Hindu outfits were accused of such an act. The verdict has reignited debate, with the BJP claiming it disproves the narrative, while opposition parties argue that the acquittal raises concerns about the investigation's credibility.
While official statements from all families are not detailed in current reports, acquittals in long-pending terror cases often lead to disappointment and frustration among victims’ families, who may feel justice was delayed or denied. The local community in Malegaon, which experienced communal tensions after the blast, is likely to remain divided over the verdict’s implications.