Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit's Promotion to Colonel Marks the End of a 17-Year Legal Struggle
Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, a distinguished officer in the Indian Army, has been promoted to the rank of full Colonel, concluding a 17-year journey fraught with wrongful arrest, legal challenges, and damage to his reputation. The promotion ceremony, which was widely shared, depicted Purohit receiving his new insignia in the presence of fellow officers, highlighting his perseverance and the support from his colleagues.
Purohit's path to this milestone has been far from typical. In 2008, he was apprehended by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in connection with the Malegaon blast case, accused of providing RDX for an explosion that resulted in six deaths and over 100 injuries in a predominantly Muslim area. As the only active Army officer accused in such a case, Purohit attracted national scrutiny, with the charges framed as part of a "saffron terror" narrative. However, on July 31, 2025, a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) acquitted him and six others, including BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, citing insufficient evidence and contradictions in the prosecution's arguments.
The acquittal underscored that Purohit's arrest was linked to his covert intelligence work, which was authorized by military leadership. According to Smita Mishra's investigative book, "Lt. Colonel Purohit: The Man Betrayed?", he had infiltrated terror networks, a mission misunderstood by the ATS. The book details how falsified movement orders and a media trial worsened his situation, leading to a 17-year struggle that disrupted his life and family.
Despite being acquitted, the prolonged legal process significantly impacted Purohit's military career. Sources suggest that, without these interruptions, he might have reached the rank of Major General, typically achievable after 25 to 30 years of service for those with exceptional merit. Instead, he will retire in March 2026 as a Colonel, a rank earned only after persistent advocacy and public support. Observers have remarked that an officer of his stature deserved more recognition.
The promotion has elicited diverse reactions nationwide. Supporters have criticized the alleged political motivations behind his ordeal, while others advocate for further justice, proposing Purohit be advanced to Brigadier with back pay and compensation for the ordeal he endured. Some have even suggested a gubernatorial position for him after retirement, acknowledging his patriotic contributions.
The Indian Army and the Ministry of Defence have largely refrained from commenting on the issue, though the case has reignited discussions on safeguarding military personnel from politically motivated investigations. Purohit's wife, Aparna, known as the "Iron Lady" among supporters, has been a steadfast source of support, her resilience mirroring the couple’s unwavering determination.
As Purohit approaches retirement, his story stands as a cautionary example of the complex interplay between national security, political objectives, and military justice. While the nation honors his service, questions linger about whether this promotion is a long-overdue recognition or merely a partial attempt to address past injustices.
