Victims' Families to Challenge Malegaon Blast Acquittal

An advocate for victims' families in the 2008 Malegaon blast case has announced plans to challenge the recent acquittal of seven accused by a special NIA court. Advocate Shahid Nadeem, representing the families, stated intentions to file an independent appeal soon.

The Thursday verdict saw all accused, including notable figures like former MP Sadhvi Pragya and retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, cleared of charges under the UAPA, Arms Act, and other laws. The court's judgment criticized investigative agencies, attributing the acquittals to prosecutorial failures while acknowledging the occurrence of the blast and awarding compensation to victims.

The case's initial charges implicated 11 individuals; however, only seven faced trial. The court examined 323 prosecution witnesses, ultimately finding the evidence insufficient to prove guilt unequivocally. The accused were acquitted, and victims' families received a government-ordered compensation.

The 2008 Malegaon blast resulted in six deaths and over 90 injuries when explosives detonated in a busy area near a mosque, casting a long specter over the community that persists even with this latest judgment.

(With inputs from agencies.)