New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has acquitted all seven defendants in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit. The ruling has been applauded by the BJP and JD(U), while opposition parties such as the Congress and RJD have voiced concerns regarding the government's approach to the prosecution.

BJP leader Ram Kadam expressed his approval of the verdict, stating, "After 17 years of anticipation, justice has been served in the Malegaon blast case. This ruling is a significant rebuke to the Congress administration. Throughout history, we have witnessed that truth cannot be suppressed."

He further stated, "Congress administrations have consistently tried to link the Sanatan Hindu faith with terrorism. Why was there pressure on those supporting the truth? Why were RSS and other Hindu organizations intentionally targeted? Today’s ruling unveils that conspiracy and signifies a victory of truth over political deceit."

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya shared similar sentiments, saying, "I appreciate the judiciary for this decision. I also urge P. Chidambaram, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi to apologize to the Hindu community. For years, Hindus were marginalized to win the Muslim vote. This ruling reaffirms that Hinduism embodies nationalism. There is no such phenomenon as ‘Bhagwa Atankwad’ (saffron terrorism)."

Meanwhile, JD(U) leader Rajeev Ranjan remarked, "This ruling brings considerable relief to all defendants, including Thakur and Purohit. The case had lingered for years. Now that the judgment has been issued, all parties must respect the court's decision."

Uttar Pradesh Minister and SBSP chief, O.P. Rajbhar, also welcomed the ruling, stating, "The court’s decision deserves respect. I fully support it."

Conversely, opposition leaders have criticized the prosecution’s management of the case.

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai stated, "The court’s verdict is based on merit and evidence, but it’s evident that the government did not present its case effectively. The prosecution’s inability to construct a strong argument led to this outcome, reflecting poorly on the government’s preparedness and intent."

Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath refrained from commenting, saying, "It is the court’s ruling, and I have no remarks to make."

RJD leader Israil Mansuri raised doubts about the implications of the acquittal: "If all accused are exonerated, then who was accountable for the blast? It has been 17 years. If the true culprits remain unidentified, it poses a serious concern for national security."

The special NIA court dismissed all charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and Indian Penal Code (IPC) due to insufficient credible evidence. The defendants were acquitted of all allegations due to a lack of supporting material.

The 2008 Malegaon blast occurred on September 29, when a bomb attached to a motorcycle detonated near Bhikku Chowk mosque in Malegaon city, Nashik district, Maharashtra.

The explosion, which took place during the holy month of Ramzan and just days before the Hindu festival of Navratri, led to the deaths of six individuals and injured over 100 in the communally-sensitive region.

This incident was followed by nearly 17 years of investigations and legal proceedings.

The verdict was delivered in a crowded courtroom on Thursday, with all seven defendants present, as mandated by the court previously. The court also ordered compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured victim.