Will the 2008 Malegaon Blast Case Verdict Bring Justice?

Pune, July 31 (NationPress) As the eagerly anticipated ruling in the 2008 Malegaon blast case approaches, retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, one of the seven individuals accused, voiced his steadfast confidence in the legal system on Thursday, yearning for an honorable acquittal.

In an interview with IANS before the decision, Upadhyay recounted the traumatic experiences that he and his family have faced for the past 17 years.

“We are optimistic that we will be exonerated with dignity. I have complete faith in the judiciary,” Upadhyay stated to IANS.

The Malegaon blast, which occurred on September 29, 2008, resulted in six fatalities and over 100 injuries when a bomb affixed to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in the communally sensitive town of Malegaon, situated about 200 km from Mumbai. Following the incident, seven individuals, including BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, were apprehended on various charges, including those related to terrorism.

For Upadhyay, the journey since that day has been both physically and emotionally devastating.

“Financially, we faced ruin. Socially, we were ostracized. Our landlord discarded our belongings, and finding a new home proved impossible. Friends extended help, but our possessions were scattered. I spent nine years behind bars. My family endured immense suffering. While I too faced hardship, I remained committed to pursuing justice – seven prison officials, two inspectors, and two constables faced suspension during my incarceration,” he shared.

Although there were no direct threats to his family, the psychological toll was profound.

“The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officers frequently visited our children’s educational institutions and workplaces, labeling them the ‘children of terrorists’. They even threatened that our daughters would be assaulted in front of us. The pressure was unbearable,” he explained to IANS.

Upadhyay expressed deep bitterness towards those he believes conspired against them.

“It’s incredibly unfortunate to be branded a terrorist overnight. I feel nothing but sympathy and anger towards the police officers and bureaucrats who orchestrated this conspiracy. We are patriots, yet we have been painted as enemies of our nation,” he stated.

In response to accusations regarding his supposed religious radicalization, Upadhyay was adamant: “I possess a copy of the Quran dated August 12, 2002 – six years prior to the blast. I studied all major religions to foster understanding, unity, and coexistence. The ATS disregarded these facts and falsely implicated me.”

Reflecting on what he terms ‘divine justice’ over the years, Upadhyay stated, “There may be delays in God’s house, but injustice is never present. Those who wronged us have faced their own downfalls. Hemant Karkare, the ATS chief who led the investigation, was killed by Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab. Paramveer Singh, who humiliated me, was disgraced after serving as the Mumbai Police commissioner. A DCP suffered a leg injury, and an SHO was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 6,000. We perceive this as divine retribution,” he expressed.

He firmly believes that the truth will ultimately emerge.

“The trial has concluded, and the verdict is pending. We are confident it will favor us. The entire case is fabricated. At least 30 witnesses have turned hostile. None of the prosecution’s claims have held up in court. No substantial evidence has been presented against us. We neither planted a bomb, supplied anything, nor were we present at the scene. We are innocent,” he declared.

Upadhyay also raised concerns regarding the investigation's management.

“The NIA took four to five years to submit a supplementary charge sheet. In that document, they cleared Pragya Thakur and others. The NIA itself raised doubts about the ATS investigation. They even acknowledged that RDX was placed in Sudhakar Chaturvedi’s residence. So where is the evidence against us?” he queried.

He noted that MCOCA charges were dropped, and UAPA will soon be dismissed.

“MCOCA was removed after nine years of legal battles, and UAPA will soon follow. We are patriots who honor our religion but also advocate for respect towards all. I am confident we will be vindicated,” he asserted.

Despite the prolonged delays and challenges, Upadhyay retains faith in the judicial system.

“The judiciary may progress slowly, but justice is eventually served. I have absolute trust that we will receive an acquittal,” he concluded.

The special NIA court in Mumbai is expected to announce its verdict later today, almost 17 years after the Malegaon blast shook the nation and transformed the lives of the accused. The trial began in earnest in 2018 and concluded on April 19, 2025. The final judgment was reserved following arguments from both sides.

Among those on trial are BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Major (Retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, and Sameer Kulkarni. All seven were charged in connection with the blast that targeted a mosque during the holy month of Ramzan, sending shockwaves across the nation.