'Aatankwad Na Kabhi Bhagwa Tha...': Ruling, Opposition Parties React To 2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict

A special NIA court acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt. Colonel Prasad Purohit, due to the prosecution's inability to substantiate allegations. Key evidence was insufficient, with doubts raised regarding witness statements and inconsistencies in medical documentation.

The court found no link between Purohit and RDX, concluding that the UAPA was not applicable because of sanction issues, ultimately emphasising the necessity of concrete proof over mere suspicion.

Many politicians, especially BJP leaders and supporters have welcomed the verdict by the special NIA court to acquit all accused for the 2008 Malegaon bomb blasts, including ex-BJP MP Pragya Thakur and Lt. Prasad Purohit. The opposition has come forward with strong oppose to the verdict stating 'injustice has been served'.

In response, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis claimed that true terrorism had never existed in the sense suggested by critics, while Deputy CM Eknath Shinde insisted that the truth ultimately prevails. The court's lengthy process of acquittal and the acknowledgment of the injustices faced by the accused, who underwent mental and physical distress, was framed as a validation of their stance against the concept of “Hindu terrorism” often promoted by the opposition.

AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the acquittal due to a flawed investigation, asserting the blast targeted Muslims. He questioned government actions regarding the judgment and referenced past prosecutor Rohini Salian's comments, calling for accountability from NIA/ATS and criticizing the leniency towards terror suspects.

BJP leaders welcomed the verdict, suggesting it vindicated their stance against accusations of "Bhagwa terrorism." MP Ravi Kishan expressed a mix of sympathy for the accused, lamenting the years lost to what he termed false allegations. Other party members echoed sentiments that the ruling revealed the flawed narrative of the opposition and demanded accountability from the Congress for instigating the term “Bhagwa terrorism.”

Messages from BJP leaders reinforced their belief that “terrorism was never saffron” and denounced the Congress party for its role in propagating accusations against individuals based solely on their religious affiliations. The ruling, they argued, exemplified a broader truth that rejected the characterization of Hindu individuals as terrorists.

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma celebrated the NIA court's acquittal of all accused in the Malegaon Blast case, calling it a historic and joyful day. He criticized the UPA government for allegedly misusing institutions and claiming the existence of "Hindu terrorism," asserting that it falsely imprisoned leaders with Sanatan beliefs. Sharma emphasized that today's ruling disproves the concept of "Hindu terrorism," affirming that a Hindu cannot be a terrorist.

The court noted procedural failures in the investigation, highlighting missing evidence such as sketches, fingerprints, and proper data collection, which contributed to its conclusion that the prosecution's claims were unfounded. The discrepancies in the reported number of injured parties further complicated the case, with the court stating irregularities in medical documentation.

Ultimately, the case, initially under the purview of the Anti-Terrorism Squad, was later transferred to the National Investigation Agency in 2011. All accused had been out on bail before the court's verdict, marking a significant development in this long-standing legal battle for justice.