In a landmark judgment that has brought an end to nearly 17 years of legal battles, a special NIA court in Mumbai on July 31, 2025, acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including former BJP Member of Parliament Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt. Col. Prasad Shrikant Purohit. The verdict comes after years of controversy, high-profile allegations, and intense political and communal discourse surrounding one of India’s most sensitive terror cases.

The blast, which took place on September 29, 2008, near a mosque in the communal flashpoint town of Malegaon in Maharashtra, claimed the lives of six individuals and left more than 100 injured. The device, reportedly strapped to a motorcycle parked in a busy market area, exploded during the holy month of Ramzan, just before Navratri, adding to the communal tension.

Key Accused and Charges

The accused included:

• Pragya Singh Thakur, then a Sadhvi and later a BJP MP

• Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, an Indian Army officer

• Major (Retd.) Ramesh Upadhyay

• Ajay Rahirkar

• Sudhakar Dwivedi

• Sudhakar Chaturvedi

• Sameer Kulkarni

They were booked under serious charges including:

• Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) — for committing and conspiring to commit terrorist acts

• Sections 120B, 302, 307, 324, and 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) — covering conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt, and promoting enmity between religious groups

The initial investigation was led by the Maharashtra ATS, but in 2011, the probe was transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) due to the alleged involvement of right-wing elements, prompting political uproar.

Grounds for Acquittal

Delivering the verdict, Special Judge AK Lahoti of the NIA court cited the following key points for the acquittal:

• The prosecution failed to prove that the explosive device was planted on the motorcycle belonging to Pragya Singh Thakur.

• There was no conclusive proof that RDX was brought from Kashmir or that Col. Purohit manufactured the bomb.

• The motorcycle's chassis, although undisturbed, was not adequately restored or investigated, weakening forensic evidence.

• No evidence of conspiracy meetings or terror planning involving the accused could be conclusively established.

• Fingerprint samples and crucial items like a key stone at the blast site were not seized or properly preserved, leading to possible contamination of evidence.

• Witness testimonies were inconsistent, with 37 out of 323 witnesses turning hostile, further undermining the prosecution's case.

• The application of UAPA in the case was found to be flawed, especially in terms of procedural approval and evidentiary backing.

The court emphasized that no religion teaches terrorism, clearly distancing the case from any generalized religious affiliation or bias.

NIA’s Position and Reaction

The NIA, which had sought stringent punishment for the accused, had argued that the blast was part of a larger conspiracy to terrorize a particular religious community. However, with the collapse of key testimonies and procedural missteps, the agency’s case failed to convince the court.

The ruling is likely to be scrutinized for its implications on high-profile terror cases and could invite wider debates about the role of investigative agencies, evidentiary standards, and the politics of terrorism-related trials in India.

Reactions from Legal and Political Circles

While legal experts have praised the court’s insistence on due process, critics argue the verdict underscores systemic issues in India’s investigation and prosecution mechanisms. There is growing discourse about the need for reform in how terror cases are investigated, including the preservation of physical evidence and witness protection to prevent hostility.

Political responses have also been divided:

• Supporters of Pragya Thakur and Col. Purohit hailed the verdict as a vindication of innocence and misuse of state machinery for political targeting.

• Opposition parties and civil society groups, however, have questioned the timing and conduct of the probe, with concerns over justice for the victims.

Timeline of the Case

• 2008: Blast in Malegaon kills 6 and injures 100+

• 2008–2010: ATS conducts initial investigation, arresting several right-wing individuals

• 2011: Probe handed over to NIA

• 2018: Charges framed by the special NIA court

• 2018–2025: Trial progresses with 323 witnesses presented

• July 31, 2025: All accused acquitted due to lack of evidence

Legal and Societal Impact

The Malegaon blast trial has become a symbol of the intersection between terrorism, religion, and politics in India. It has triggered several debates over the years, from allegations of “saffron terror” to discussions on judicial delay and due process.

The verdict may also prompt:

• Re-evaluation of ongoing UAPA cases

• Public demand for greater accountability in terrorism investigations

• Call for judicial reforms to ensure speedy trials

Additionally, families of the victims have expressed mixed emotions—some seeking closure, others feeling justice has eluded them.

In conclusion, the acquittal in the Malegaon blast case marks the end of a lengthy and controversial chapter in India’s counter-terrorism narrative. With judicial exoneration granted on the basis of inadequate evidence, the case highlights both the challenges of securing convictions in terror cases and the importance of rigorous, unbiased investigations. It also opens up broader questions about state accountability, judicial delays, and the role of politics in law enforcement. As India continues to grapple with terrorism and communal tensions, the Malegaon verdict serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of justice in high-stakes criminal trials.

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