Acquittal in Malegaon Blast Case: Justice Served?
In a significant ruling, a Mumbai special court acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, citing lack of evidence. Notable individuals, Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, were among the acquitted. The verdict stirred political reactions and reignited the 'saffron terror' debate.

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In a landmark decision, a Mumbai special court has acquitted all seven individuals accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The judgment, delivered by Judge A K Lahoti, highlighted the absence of reliable evidence and emphasized that suspicion can't replace proof. Key figures such as Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit were among the acquitted.
The court's ruling has sparked varied political reactions across the spectrum. BJP hailed the verdict as a vindication against the 'Hindu terror' theory purported by the Congress, while Shiv Sena called for an apology from its political adversary. AIMIM leader, Imtiaz Jaleel, urged the state government to challenge the acquittal.
The blast in Malegaon, which killed six and injured over 100 people, occurred near a mosque in September 2008. The court found no conclusive evidence linking the accused to the blast, including the alleged use of a motorcycle in the explosion. The case underscores ongoing debates about terrorism and religious narratives in India.
(With inputs from agencies.)