All Accused Acquitted in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case After 17 Years; Court Cites Lack of Evidence

A special NIA court has acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, citing insufficient evidence and procedural lapses. The verdict ends a 17-year legal battle and reignites political debate over alleged misuse of terror laws and the controversial "saffron terror" narrative that dominated national discourse for years.

Seventeen years after the deadly 2008 Malegaon blast that killed six and injured 95 in a Muslim-dominated area of Maharashtra, a special NIA court in Mumbai has acquitted all seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Army officer Lt Col Prasad Purohit. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish clear evidence linking the accused to the bombing, raising serious questions about the investigation.

The verdict cited multiple discrepancies, including the prosecution’s inability to prove that the explosive was placed on the motorcycle allegedly linked to Thakur. It also noted procedural flaws in invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), pointing out that the necessary sanction orders were defective. The court further clarified that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, stating, “Terror has no religion.”

The case, which had become a political flashpoint due to the term “saffron terror,” drew sharp reactions. Shiv Sena and BJP leaders hailed the verdict as a victory of truth, while AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi expressed disappointment, accusing investigative agencies of botching the case. Several leaders, including Ravi Kishan and Shrikant Shinde, demanded an apology from Congress for allegedly fabricating charges.

Following the acquittal, Lt Col Purohit said the verdict restores faith in the judicial system, while Pragya Thakur claimed the ordeal had “ruined” her life. The court also noted that no concrete financial or organizational link was found between Abhinav Bharat—co-founded by some of the accused—and terrorist activity.

Also Read: ₹5 Lakh Crore Wiped Out in 15 Minutes as Markets Crash After US Tariff Shock

The long-delayed judgment reignites debates on religious profiling, the integrity of terror investigations, and political narratives surrounding such high-profile cases.