Did Senior Officials Order the Arrest of Mohan Bhagwat?
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Synopsis
A former ATS officer claims he was ordered to arrest RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat during the Malegaon blast investigation. His refusal led to his wrongful implication. The recent NIA court ruling acquitting all accused raises questions about the motives behind the orders given to the officer, shedding light on a complex case that has lingered for over a decade.
Key Takeaways
- Former ATS officer claims he was ordered to arrest Mohan Bhagwat.
- Mujawar refused the order due to lack of evidence.
- His refusal led to false accusations and his imprisonment.
- Recent NIA court ruling acquitted all accused in the Malegaon blast case.
- The blast resulted in six fatalities and numerous injuries.
New Delhi, Aug 1 (NationPress) In a shocking assertion, a former member of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) stated that he was ordered to apprehend Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat in relation to the 2008 Malegaon blast case, a directive he ultimately declined, resulting in his wrongful implication and arrest.
Mehboob Mujawar, the ex-ATS officer, remarked, “I was tasked with locating the fleeing suspects Sandip Dange and Ramji Kalsangra. Additionally, I received instructions to arrest Mohan Bhagwat. This command originated from high-ranking officials, including Parambir Singh.
Mujawar highlighted that he was fully equipped for the mission, supported by a team of ten personnel, ample funding, and a service revolver provided by the ATS.
However, Mujawar stated he could not proceed with the arrest of Bhagwat due to the absence of credible evidence to substantiate such an action.
“This marked the beginning of the term 'bhagwa aatankwad' (saffron terror). I was instructed to arrest Mohan Bhagwat, but I could not bring myself to create such a falsehood. I remained in Nagpur as directed, but I didn’t execute the arrest as it would have been both morally and legally incorrect. Had I done so, who knows what might have transpired?” he expressed.
According to Mujawar, his refusal resulted in backlash from within the system.
“Due to my decision not to arrest Bhagwat, false allegations were leveled against me. I was apprehended, incarcerated, and a charge sheet was filed. Eventually, I presented all necessary documents in court demonstrating that there was no evidence against the RSS leader. Ultimately, I was acquitted. This ordeal has lasted over a decade, and these documents were submitted to the NIA and utilized during the final judgment,” he informed IANS.
This statement came a day after a specialized National Investigation Agency (NIA) court acquitted all seven individuals implicated in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit.
The court dismissed all charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and Indian Penal Code (IPC), citing insufficient evidence.
The explosion occurred on September 29, 2008, near Bhikku Chowk mosque in Malegaon, Nashik district, when a bomb attached to a motorcycle detonated during the holy month of Ramzan and shortly before Navratri. Six individuals lost their lives, and over 100 sustained injuries in this sensitive communal area.
After nearly 17 years of judicial proceedings, the verdict was announced on Thursday in a crowded courtroom with all accused present, as mandated by the court. The court also directed compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured victim.
The trial, extending over more than a decade, involved over one lakh pages of documentation. Hearings concluded in April of this year, with the court reserving its judgment on April 19.
The prosecution evaluated 323 witnesses throughout the trial; however, 34 of them turned hostile, significantly undermining the case. The investigation was initially conducted by the Maharashtra ATS but was transferred to the NIA in 2011.
Point of View
It is vital to approach this case with impartiality, recognizing the complexities and sensitivities involved. The claims made by the former ATS officer raise significant questions about the integrity of the investigation process. It's essential to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that all parties are treated fairly.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mehboob Mujawar?
Mehboob Mujawar is a former officer of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad who was involved in the investigation of the 2008 Malegaon blast.
What did Mujawar claim regarding Mohan Bhagwat?
Mujawar claimed he was instructed to arrest RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat during the Malegaon blast investigation but refused due to lack of evidence.
What was the outcome of the recent NIA court ruling?
The NIA court acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, citing insufficient evidence.
What happened during the 2008 Malegaon blast?
The blast occurred on September 29, 2008, resulting in six deaths and over 100 injuries near Bhikku Chowk mosque in Malegaon.
What charges were dropped by the court?
The court dropped charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, and Indian Penal Code due to lack of evidence.
