Justice Reigns: Acquittal in Malegaon Blast Case Shakes Political Narratives

A significant legal milestone was reached as all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case were acquitted by a special court in Mumbai. The ruling struck down the 'saffron terror' narrative attributed to the Congress, sparking celebrations from right-wing groups in Pune. The accused, including ex-BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, faced charges stemming from a blast that claimed six lives and injured over a hundred people in Malegaon.

The court's decision cited a lack of 'reliable and cogent evidence' against the accused, emphasizing that 'terrorism has no religion' and conviction should not rest on mere perception. The explosive device, attached to a motorcycle, had detonated near a mosque in the town, which is approximately 200 km from Mumbai.

Following the verdict, members of the Patit Pawan Sanghatana celebrated outside Purohit's empty Pune residence by lighting fireworks and distributing sweets. They proclaimed the end of the 'Bhagwa Atankwad' narrative, assuring a grand welcome for Purohit upon his return.

(With inputs from agencies.)