All Accused Acquitted in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case; Sadhvi Pragya, Lt Col Purohit Break Down in Court

Mumbai: In a major development, a special NIA court on Thursday acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit. The court cited a lack of sufficient evidence under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to sustain the charges.

An emotional scene unfolded in the courtroom after the verdict. Sadhvi Pragya, one of the prime accused, broke down in tears and folded her hands before the judge. “I was tortured for 13 days. My life was destroyed. I was branded a terrorist in my own country and humiliated for 17 years,” she said. Thanking the court, she added, “I can’t speak about those who did this to me. I am alive only because I am a sannyasi. Saffron was branded as terrorism—today, saffron has triumphed. Hindutva has won. Those who equated it with terrorism will never be forgiven.”

Lt Col Purohit, another key accused who was present in the courtroom, also expressed relief and gratitude. “Jai Hind,” he said, beginning his statement. “I belong to the Indian Army. I have served the nation and will continue to do so. I don’t blame the agencies as institutions, but individuals within them misused their power, and we became scapegoats.” Referring to his long legal battle, he said, “Even after being granted bail, I had to endure everything. What happened was unjust. I just hope that no other citizen has to suffer what we did. I thank the court wholeheartedly.”

All seven accused were present in court, in accordance with an earlier direction by the judge. Following the verdict, the court ordered the government to pay compensation—₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 each to the injured victims.

The Malegaon blast occurred on the evening of September 29, 2008, in the communally sensitive town of Malegaon in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. A bomb strapped to a motorcycle exploded near the Bhikku Chowk mosque, killing six people and injuring over 100. The incident took place during the holy month of Ramadan and just days before the Hindu festival of Navratri, heightening communal tensions.

The court’s verdict ends a 17-year-long legal battle that had far-reaching political, religious, and legal implications for the nation.