In a significant shift, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recommended the death penalty for all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including BJP leader and former MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. This marks a dramatic reversal from the NIA’s previous stance, where it had sought to discharge some of the accused.
The blast, which occurred on September 29, 2008, killed six Muslims and injured over 100 others in the communally sensitive town of Malegaon, Maharashtra. A bomb strapped to a motorcycle exploded near a mosque, leaving behind a trail of devastation and sparking a long and complex legal battle.
Who Are the Accused?
The accused include:
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Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur
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Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit
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Sudhakar Diwedi
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Major (Retd.) Ramesh Upadhyay
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Ajay Rahirkar
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Sudhakar Chaturvedi
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Sameer Kulkarni
All are currently out on bail. The prosecution contends that the blast was a Hindutva-motivated terror attack, and the accused were involved in a broader conspiracy to destabilize communal harmony in India.
Evidence and Prosecution’s Stand
The NIA submitted a 1,389-page final written argument in the Mumbai special court, pressing for punishment under Section 16 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to Shahid Nadeem, lawyer from Jamiat Ulema Maharashtra, “This section allows for the death penalty when terrorist activity leads to death.”
The prosecution cited strong circumstantial and direct evidence:
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Sadhvi Pragya’s LML Freedom motorcycle was allegedly used to plant the bomb.
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She reportedly attended conspiracy meetings.
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The prosecution examined 323 witnesses, although 34 turned hostile.
Senior lawyer Sharif Sheikh emphasized, “This alone proves her involvement.”
Allegations of Political Pressure
The case has not been free from political shadows. Former public prosecutor Rohini Salian revealed she was pressured to go soft on the accused after the BJP came to power. Her refusal to comply reportedly led to her stepping away from the case.
A Long Road to Justice
The case, originally investigated by Maharashtra ATS, was handed to the NIA in 2011. The victims and their families have waited for justice for over 16 years. A verdict is expected on May 8, 2025.
According to human rights lawyer Aslam Shaikh, “This change in NIA’s position may be late, but it’s a sign that justice might finally be served.”
A family member of a victim said, “We have waited long enough. We want those responsible to pay for what they did.”
Final Thoughts
The Malegaon blast case is more than just a legal trial—it is a litmus test for India’s commitment to unbiased justice. With the NIA now pushing for the harshest punishment, the spotlight shifts to the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and send a strong message against terrorism in any form, regardless of ideology.