2008 Malegaon Blast: Special NIA Court Acquits Pragya Thakur, Col Purohit and 5 Others After 17-Year Trial

After a 17-year trial, a special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including Pragya Singh Thakur and Col. Purohit.

Judge AK Lahoti held that the prosecution failed to present cogent evidence, citing inconsistencies and manipulated documents.

The court held that no criminal conspiracy was proven and dismissed allegations connecting Thakur to the motorcycle used in the blast or Purohit to the alleged sourcing of RDX.

While acknowledging six deaths and 95 injuries, the court awarded compensation to victims and noted terrorism has no religion, but convictions must rest on legal proof, not morality. The prosecution examined 323 witnesses; 34 turned hostile.

[National Investigation Agency v Pragyasingh Chandrapalsingh Thakur & Ors]