After 17 years of legal proceedings, the Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai today acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, citing insufficient evidence and granting them the benefit of doubt. The verdict has triggered strong political reactions and renewed debate on the controversial “saffron terror” narrative.
The Verdict
The court, presided over by Special Judge A.K. Lahoti, acquitted all accused, including:
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Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (former BJP MP from Bhopal)
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Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit (then Military Intelligence officer)
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Major (Retd) Ramesh Upadhyay
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Ajay Rahirkar
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Sudhakar Dwivedi
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Sudhakar Chaturvedi
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Sameer Kulkarni
The court held that the prosecution failed to prove charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and related laws.
2008 Malegaon Blast: A Brief Background
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Date: September 29, 2008
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Location: Malegaon, a communally sensitive town in Maharashtra
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Casualties: 6 dead, over 100 injured
The blast took place during Ramzan, just before Navratri, exacerbating communal tensions.
The motorcycle used in the blast was traced to Sadhvi Pragya. Initial investigations by the Maharashtra ATS alleged links to radical Hindu outfit Abhinav Bharat, with Lt Col Purohit accused of facilitating explosives and meetings.
The special court in Mumbai cleared the accused of all charges, including under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act – an anti-terror law.
“Terrorism has no religion because no religion can advocate violence. The court cannot convict anyone merely on perception and moral evidence; there has to be cogent evidence,” ANI reported, quoting the verdict.
Key Reactions to the Verdict
Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit:
“I am extremely grateful to the country and those who stood by us. I am grateful to the judiciary for understanding the case and delivering justice. During the fight, the Armed Forces stood by me. I have no words to express my gratitude.”
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC:
“Who says terror has a colour? It was the Congress party that coined ‘saffron terror.’ After 17 years and nearly 320 witnesses, this verdict is not just a win for Hindutva, but a victory for the truth.”
Uma Bharti (Former MP CM):
“Extraordinary action should be taken against those leaders who tried to establish the term ‘Bhagwa terror’.”
Ravi Shankar Prasad (Senior BJP Leader):
“Congress’s conspiracy of Hindu terror has been destroyed. There was no evidence against any accused. This was sheer vote bank politics. We welcome the court’s decision.”
UP CM Yogi Adityanath:
“The acquittal is a vibrant proclamation of Satyameva Jayate. The Congress should publicly apologize for its unforgivable misdeed.”
Case Timeline and Political Context
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2008: Blast occurs; ATS begins probe.
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October 2008: Sadhvi Pragya arrested; motorcycle linked to her.
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2011: Case transferred to NIA.
- 2016: NIA filed a chargesheet and said they could not find sufficient evidence against Thakur and three others. It recommended dropping charges against them.
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2017: Bombay HC grants bail to Pragya citing weak evidence.
- 2018: NIA special court formally framed charges against the remaining seven accused under the anti-terror law, charges of criminal conspiracy, murder and promoting enmity between religious groups.
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2025: Special NIA court acquits all accused.
The trial saw nearly 320 witnesses and multiple twists over the years.The verdict, initially expected in May, was postponed after the judge ordered all accused to be present in court. The verdict has reignited scrutiny of investigative lapses and highlighted how the case reshaped political discourse, especially around the controversial “saffron terror” term introduced during the UPA era.
