Did the Bombay HC Issue Notices to NIA and Acquitted Individuals in Malegaon Blast Case?
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Synopsis
The Bombay High Court has taken a significant step in the 2008 Malegaon blast case by issuing notices to the acquitted individuals, including former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, the NIA, and the Maharashtra government. This development comes as families of the victims challenge the court's earlier decision, raising concerns over the prosecution's effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Bombay High Court issues notices to acquitted individuals and agencies involved.
- Families of victims are actively seeking justice after the acquittals.
- Concerns raised over the quality of the prosecution and investigation.
- The case highlights the complexities of communal violence in India.
- The court's decision may influence future legal proceedings in similar cases.
Mumbai, Sep 18 (NationPress) The Bombay High Court has recently issued notices to all seven individuals who were acquitted, which includes the former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, the NIA, and the Maharashtra government in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad is currently hearing an appeal that aims to overturn the acquittals. The court has requested responses from both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Maharashtra government within a timeframe of six weeks.
The acquitted individuals are also required to submit their responses to the appeal within the same six-week period.
The families of the six victims who perished in the explosion are challenging the decision made on July 31 by the Special NIA court, asserting that the trial court permitted a 'deficient prosecution' which ultimately benefited the defendants.
In the appeal, serious allegations of undermining the case have been made against the NIA, accusing it of conducting a subpar investigation after assuming control from the state's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
The petitioners argue that due to the clandestine nature of the conspiracy surrounding the blast, direct evidence was not obtainable.
This appeal, filed by Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal and five others through their lawyer Mateen Shaikh, seeks to annul the July 31 ruling made by Special NIA Judge A.K. Lahoti.
The individuals released by the trial court include Pragya Thakur, Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, Major (Retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, and Sameer Kulkarni.
The bombing, which occurred on September 29, 2008, resulted in the deaths of six people and left 101 injured in Malegaon, a town in Maharashtra known for its communal sensitivity. The blast was instigated by a bomb attached to a motorcycle, detonated near a mosque during the holy month of Ramzan.
On Wednesday, the lawyer for the appellants notified the court that only two of the six petitioners had been examined as prosecution witnesses.
This statement came after the court indicated on Tuesday that the possibility of challenging the trial court's acquittal verdict was not available to everyone, suggesting that only those witnesses who had been examined during the trial could pursue such actions.
Point of View
Underscoring the ongoing pursuit of justice. As the NIA and the Maharashtra government prepare their responses, the focus remains on ensuring a thorough and fair examination of the case.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Malegaon blast case?
The Malegaon blast case refers to the 2008 bombing incident in Malegaon, Maharashtra, that resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to many others. The case has undergone various investigations and trials over the years.
Who are the key figures involved in the case?
Key figures include former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, among others, who were acquitted by the Special NIA court.
What action did the Bombay High Court take recently?
The Bombay High Court issued notices to the acquitted individuals, the NIA, and the Maharashtra government, seeking their responses to an appeal challenging the acquittal.
Why are families of the victims challenging the acquittal?
Families of the victims argue that the prosecution was deficient and that the NIA conducted a poor investigation, which led to the acquittal of the accused.
What is the significance of this case?
The case holds significant importance as it involves themes of terrorism, justice, and the effectiveness of legal systems in addressing communal violence.
