BJP leader Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday described the recent Malegaon blast verdict as a complete vindication of those who were falsely accused and labelled under the controversial term saffron terror. Speaking to the media, the former Bhopal MP called the NIA court's judgement a slap on the faces of those who attempted to malign the image of Hindutva ideology by coining the term saffron terror for political gains.

The special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Friday (August 2, 2025) acquitted several accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, sparking heated political reactions across the spectrum. The court found insufficient evidence to prosecute several of the accused, many of whom had spent over a decade in jail under terror charges.

Pragya Thakur Reiterates Torture Claims

Thakur, who was one of the initial accused in the case, said that during her time in custody, she was tortured mentally and physically, and pressurised to name senior BJP and RSS leaders as being involved in terror activities.

“They wanted me to say names like Narendra Modi, then CM of Gujarat, and others. I was beaten, abused, and mentally broken. But I did not give in,” she said.

She asserted that her incarceration was not based on evidence, but on a fabricated narrative created by previous governments and influential media houses. Thakur also claimed that the agencies then acted under political pressure, targeting those associated with Hindu groups to construct a case that could serve electoral purposes.

What Was the Malegaon Blast Case?

The 2008 Malegaon blast, which occurred on September 29 near Bhikku Chowk in Malegaon, Maharashtra, killed six people and injured more than 100. An explosive-laden motorcycle was allegedly planted near a mosque during Ramadan prayers, leading to nationwide outrage.

Initially, Muslim youth were arrested in connection with the blast. But the focus shifted when the Maharashtra ATS, under then-chief Hemant Karkare, claimed that the Hindu radical group Abhinav Bharat and associated members—including Pragya Thakur and Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit—were responsible for planning the attack.

This led to the controversial usage of the term saffron terror, especially by political leaders and sections of the media, suggesting a rising tide of right-wing Hindu extremist activity.

Court Verdict and Acquittals

In its final judgement, the NIA court cited a lack of admissible evidence, inconsistencies in testimonies, and procedural lapses in the way the initial investigation was conducted. The court observed that key prosecution witnesses had turned hostile and that forensic evidence did not establish direct involvement.

While some accused are still facing trial under other charges, many of the prominent names have now been cleared, prompting reactions from leaders across the political divide.

Political Reactions Across the Spectrum

Following the verdict, reactions came in quickly:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the case was an example of how investigative agencies were previously misused for political vendetta.

• Congress maintained a cautious stance, with its official spokesperson stating, “We respect the court’s verdict but remain committed to fighting all forms of extremism.”

• Leaders from RSS and affiliated groups hailed the verdict as the end of a decade-long witch-hunt against nationalist forces.

On the other hand, civil society activists and some legal experts warned that the acquittals were due to lack of evidence, not because the crime didn’t occur.

Saffron Terror: A Term Under Fire Again

The term saffron terror, first used around 2008–2010, referred to alleged acts of terrorism perpetrated by Hindu extremist groups. The term became politically explosive, especially after being mentioned in speeches by Congress leaders including P. Chidambaram and Rahul Gandhi.

Pragya Thakur directly addressed this, saying:

“The phrase saffron terror was coined deliberately. Our religious identity was attacked. Our culture was defamed. But truth has finally won.”

She added that no one from the minority community should be falsely accused either, but targeting Hindus for political narrative is equally unjust.

Implications for Indian Politics

With Lok Sabha elections 2029 just a few years away and several state elections around the corner, the verdict is bound to reshape political narratives, especially in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Analysts suggest:

• BJP may use the verdict to target Congress for allegedly defaming Hindu groups

• Hindutva sentiment could be reignited, leading to polarisation in key constituencies

• Congress and INDIA bloc may be forced to clarify their stance on past allegations related to saffron terror

The case could also impact voter sentiment in urban and semi-urban regions, where identity politics often plays a decisive role.

Demands for Apology and Accountability

Several BJP MPs have now demanded that Congress apologise publicly for propagating the saffron terror narrative. They claim that the party used state power to defame an entire community, and now that the courts have acquitted many, the moral obligation lies with the Congress to admit its mistakes.

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said:

“We always knew the truth. It has now been proven in court. The question is: Who will answer for the lost years and ruined reputations?”

Meanwhile, legal experts argue that while the verdict must be respected, a deep review of investigative procedures, witness protection, and political interference in probe agencies is urgently needed.

Conclusion: End of One Chapter, Start of Another

The Malegaon blast case, one of the most controversial and politically sensitive cases in recent Indian history, has taken a dramatic turn with the recent court verdict. While those acquitted claim vindication, many questions remain unanswered.

Was there ever a deliberate attempt to construct a false narrative? Did political vendettas influence investigations? Who will be held responsible for the years lost in jail?

As Pragya Thakur rightly pointed out, “Truth has a way of surfacing, no matter how long it takes.” But as India moves ahead, it must also reflect on how justice, identity, and politics intersect—and often collide—in its complex democracy.

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