BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday welcomed the verdict of the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, which acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, alleging that the case was part of a Congress-led conspiracy to fabricate the narrative of 'Hindu terror' for political gain.
In the September 29, 2008, Malegaon blast case, a motorbike bomb exploded close to Bhikku Chowk in Malegaon, Maharashtra. Ninety-five people were injured and six people died in the explosion. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted the initial investigation before the case was turned over to the NIA in 2011. After 17 years of legal proceedings and examination of hundreds of witnesses, the NIA special court acquitted all seven individuals, citing lack of evidence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and all other charges.
Speaking at a press conference following the verdict, Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Congress’s conspiracy of Hindu terror has been destroyed. There was no evidence against any of the accused. Colonel Purohit, who had fought against terrorism in Kashmir, was falsely implicated. Sadhvi Pragya Thakur was accused simply because her motorcycle was allegedly used in the blast. She was tortured so severely that she could not walk afterward. This was all done by the Congress for vote-bank politics. We welcome the court’s judgment.”
Former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, one of the key accused who was acquitted, expressed relief and joy after the verdict. Speaking to the media, she said, “Today, Bhagwa (saffron) and Hindutva have won. The real culprits behind the Malegaon blast will be punished.” BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also responded to the verdict, strongly criticising the Congress for allegedly coining the term 'Saffron Terrorism.'
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“What did the Union Home Minister say yesterday in Rajya Sabha? A Hindu cannot be a terrorist. All the terrorists in this country belong to one religion—it’s been proven again. Congress did the dirty work of inventing the idea of ‘Saffron Terror.’ Instead of going after Pakistani terrorists, they targeted their own people. Now the truth is out, and Congress must face the consequences.”
Ahead of the verdict, security was tightened around the Mumbai NIA Special Court. Visuals from the area showed large gatherings of people, including witnesses, waiting outside to hear the court’s decision. Originally, 11 individuals were accused in the case, but the court ultimately framed charges against seven, including Sadhvi Pragya and Lt. Col. Purohit. After years of legal proceedings and testimonies, the court found insufficient evidence to convict any of the accused.
The Malegaon blast case has long been at the centre of political and communal controversy. With Thursday’s verdict, the BJP has seized the moment to accuse the Congress of misusing investigative agencies and pushing a false narrative of “Hindu terror” for electoral advantages—a charge Congress has consistently denied.
Also Read: All seven accused acquitted in Malegaon blast case
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