Lieutenant Colonel Purohit Acquitted in Malegaon Blast Case, Vows to Serve Nation with Unwavering Dedication
Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, addressed the media outside the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai, expressing profound relief and gratitude while reaffirming his commitment to serve India. “I am a soldier who loves this country immensely,” Purohit declared, standing firm after a 17-year legal battle that culminated in his acquittal alongside six others, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur.
The special NIA court, presided over by Judge AK Lahoti, cleared all seven accused on Thursday, citing a lack of "reliable and cogent" evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case, which stemmed from a bomb explosion near a mosque in Malegaon on September 29, 2008, killing six and injuring over 100, had been one of India’s longest-running terror trials. The court’s verdict highlighted multiple flaws in the prosecution’s case, including unreliable evidence, a faulty panchnama, and inconclusive forensic results. Notably, the court found no evidence linking Purohit to the sourcing, transportation, or storage of RDX, and determined that the bomb was likely placed outside the motorcycle, contrary to earlier claims.
Purohit, who spent nearly nine years in Taloja prison before being granted bail in 2017, thanked the judiciary for providing him a fair opportunity to clear his name. “My conviction never changed. Now I will again serve the nation with the same dedication,” he said, emphasizing his resolve to continue his service in the Indian Army. Reflecting on his ordeal, Purohit chose to focus on the future rather than harbor grudges, stating, “Organisations are like sick parts of the body, no one should suffer.”
The 2008 Malegaon blast, initially investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and later by the NIA, had sparked controversy due to allegations of a fabricated probe. Purohit, a serving Army officer at the time of his arrest, consistently maintained his innocence, claiming he was infiltrating the right-wing group Abhinav Bharat as part of his military intelligence duties. He alleged in court statements that he faced torture and coercion from ATS officers, including the late Hemant Karkare and Param Bir Singh, to falsely confess and implicate senior right-wing leaders. The court’s acquittal has now vindicated his claims, with the judge noting manipulation in evidence and investigative lapses.
The verdict has drawn mixed reactions. While Purohit and his co-accused celebrated the outcome, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi called it “disappointing,” raising concerns about justice for the victims. The court’s detailed order emphasized that the prosecution failed to establish charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other provisions, granting the accused the benefit of doubt.
Purohit, currently based in Mumbai and attached to the Southern Command Liaison Unit in Pune, remains under a disciplinary and vigilance ban, limiting his operational duties. However, with his acquittal, the Army may review his status, potentially allowing him to resume full service. His supporters view the verdict as a restoration of his honor, while critics continue to debate the broader implications of the case.
As Purohit steps forward, his message is clear: his dedication to the nation remains unshaken. “Even after getting bail, my resolve to serve never changed. I am grateful for the chance to serve my organisation and my country once more,” he said, looking ahead to a future of continued service.
