Mumbai: The special NIA court acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, ending the hopes of some victims' families for justice while others have moved on after two decades. The acquitted include Pragya Singh Thakur, a former BJP MP, and Lt. Colonel Prasad Purohit, connected to a bomb attack.
Prosecution failed to prove bomb planting, corroborating only 95 injuries, with falsified medical documents. Witness statements challenge claims, raising doubt. Evidence does not link Purohit to RDX, and the UAPA is ruled inapplicable due to sanction issues.
Among those most affected is 75-year-old Nisar Bilal, who lost his 19-year-old son Azhar in the blast. Azhar, a student of the Quran who aspired to be a fridge mechanic, was killed by shrapnel from a bomb that exploded at Bhikhu Chowk, claiming six lives and injuring over a hundred on September 29. Nisar Bilal has tirelessly pursued justice, frequently attending court proceedings despite being hearing impaired.
Liyakat Shaikh, 67, lost his 10-year-old daughter Farheen, the youngest victim. He has participated in numerous protests over the years, carrying her photograph and seeking closure. Since the verdict, he expressed heartbreak, feeling that finding peace is unattainable in the wake of the ruling. Other families have accepted their losses, prioritizing survival.
Rehan Shaikh, 38, had to step into the role of provider after the death of his father, who had gone out for a snack when the explosion occurred. He shared the emotional toll, describing how the tragedy robbed him of his childhood.
The family of Irfan Khan, a 23-year-old auto driver who succumbed to injuries two days after the blast, similarly noted the devastating impact of the event. Irfan's uncle, Usman Khan, expressed disappointment over the verdict, wishing that those responsible would face consequences for their actions.
The family of Harun Shah, the oldest victim who was 60 years old, also faced hardship. His grandson Aamin recounted the trauma of caring for his grandfather during his suffering, lamenting that the justice they sought never materialized.
All Accused Acquitted
The acquitted accused include Pragya Singh Thakur, a former BJP MP alleged to have provided the motorcycle used in the bombing, and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, accused of supplying explosives. Other accused individuals are linked to the right-wing group Abhinav Bharat, which allegedly aimed to advance its ideological agenda through violence. They face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including conspiracy and murder.
Key Highlights Of NIA Court's Verdict On 2008 Malegaon Blast
The prosecution confirmed an explosion in Malegaon but could not prove that a bomb was planted in a motorcycle. The number of injuries reported is 95, not 101, and medical certificates were falsified. An inquiry into the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) is required for false injury documents and evidence tampering.
Witness statements do not support the prosecution’s claims, leading to a presumption of doubt for the accused. Though RDX was mentioned, there is no evidence it was stored or assembled by Lt Colonel Purohit, who misappropriated Abhinav Bharat funds for personal use. The motorcycle's frame number is erased, and ownership by Pragya Thakur is unproven. The UAPA is deemed inapplicable due to flawed sanction orders.
