Are Malegaon Blast Victims Ready to Challenge the Acquittal of Accused?
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Synopsis
In the wake of a controversial court ruling, Malegaon blast victims are determined to seek justice. After the NIA court acquitted all accused, families are set to challenge the decision in the Bombay High Court, reigniting their pain and distrust in the judicial process. Will they find justice after years of heartache?
Key Takeaways
- Victims plan to appeal the NIA court ruling.
- The blast occurred during the holy month of Ramzan.
- Six people were killed and over 100 injured in the attack.
- The acquittal has reignited trust issues in the judicial system.
- The case has been ongoing for nearly 17 years.
Mumbai, July 31 (NationPress) Just hours after a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court cleared all seven individuals involved in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, which resulted in the tragic loss of six lives and injuries to over 100, the victims and families of the deceased expressed profound disappointment with the ruling, declaring their plan to contest it in the Bombay High Court.
More than 17 years following the devastating blast that rocked Malegaon during the sacred month of Ramzan, survivors and families claim this judicial decision has re-opened their emotional scars and shaken their confidence in the legal system.
Blast survivor Ansari Ahmad from Malegaon stated, “It was during Ramzan when the blast occurred. Everyone knows lives were lost. The court even recognized this by granting Rs 2 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. However, this verdict has caused us immense pain. We will certainly challenge it in the High Court.”
Another local resident, Qayyum Qasmi, shared similar feelings, indicating that this ruling has left Malegaon in a state of mourning.
“This verdict has diminished our trust in the judiciary. We aim to approach the High Court, the Supreme Court, and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. In many previous cases, the accused have been acquitted due to insufficient evidence. We suspect governmental influence in this verdict. Justice must prevail,” he asserted.
Shahid Nadeem, a lawyer representing some victims, stated that while the court acquitted the accused, it did so by granting them the benefit of the doubt, rather than a clear exoneration.
“This is not a definitive acquittal. The court admitted that the blast occurred, yet the accused were released. We will appeal this decision in the Bombay High Court,” he conveyed to IANS.
The NIA court's ruling concluded one of India's most contentious terrorism cases after nearly two decades of legal battles. The judgment exonerated former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit, and five others from all charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), citing a lack of sufficient evidence.
The tragic blast took place on September 29, 2008, near Bhikku Chowk mosque in Malegaon, a town sensitive to communal tensions in Maharashtra. The attack resulted in six fatalities and over 100 injuries.
The court had reserved its judgment on April 19, following years of deliberation, over one lakh pages of documentation, and the testimony of 323 witnesses — 34 of whom turned hostile.
Initially investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the case was transferred to the NIA in 2011.
Point of View
I stand with the victims in their pursuit of justice. The acquittal raises serious questions about our judicial system and the challenges faced in securing accountability for heinous acts of terrorism. It is essential that we support the victims’ efforts to ensure justice is served.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the 2008 Malegaon blast case?
The 2008 Malegaon blast resulted in six fatalities and over 100 injuries, leading to a lengthy legal battle culminating in the recent acquittal of all accused by an NIA court.
Why do the victims plan to appeal the court's decision?
Victims and families expressed deep disappointment with the acquittal, stating it has reopened emotional wounds and shaken their faith in the judicial system.
What is the significance of the Bombay High Court in this case?
The Bombay High Court is where the victims plan to challenge the NIA court's ruling, seeking justice and accountability for the tragic incident.
Who were the key figures acquitted in the case?
The ruling acquitted former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit, among others, citing insufficient evidence.
How long has the case been ongoing?
The case has been ongoing for nearly two decades, involving extensive legal proceedings and numerous witness testimonies.
