Colonel Purohit Acquitted in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case: "I'm a Soldier Who Loves This Country"

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai has acquitted Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit and six other individuals of charges related to the 2008 Malegaon blast, citing a lack of sufficient evidence and irregularities in the investigation process.

Following the court's decision, Colonel Purohit addressed the media, expressing a deep sense of patriotism. "I am a soldier who loves this country immensely. The country must always remain supreme and its foundations strong," he stated, reflecting relief after more than 15 years embroiled in one of India's most contentious terrorism cases.

Colonel Purohit had been accused of involvement in the Malegaon blast in Maharashtra that occurred in September 2008, resulting in six fatalities and injuries to over a hundred individuals. Arrested later that year, he spent nearly nine years in custody before being granted bail in 2017. His recent acquittal represents a significant turn in a case that had captured national attention due to its political and military ramifications.

During his remarks, Purohit did not hold back in describing the challenges he faced, stating, "I have been victimised by mentally disturbed and sick individuals," and alleging abuse of power by certain authorities. "We had to endure it," he added.

The court identified multiple inconsistencies in the prosecution's arguments, noting the absence of conclusive evidence tying Purohit to the conspiracy or execution of the blast. Additionally, the court pointed out technical issues such as an inaccurate spot panchnama and the failure to definitively link the motorcycle used in the incident to the accused.

Crucially, the court emphasized that strong suspicion cannot replace legal proof in criminal proceedings. The judgment noted, "It could not be established that the motorcycle alone was used in the blast, nor was there any evidence to show that Prasad Purohit kept RDX at his residence."

In a statement delivered in court, Purohit expressed gratitude toward the judiciary, saying, "I thank you for giving me a chance to serve my nation and my organisation with the same conviction I had before I was framed. I don’t blame any organisation; it is the individuals inside these organisations who have done wrong."

The verdict concludes a highly controversial chapter in India's counterterrorism efforts but brings to light questions regarding the potential politicisation of investigations and the necessity for institutional accountability. While the legal proceedings may have reached a resolution, the broader discussions sparked by the case remain ongoing.