Did Pragya Thakur Just Expose Custodial Torture?
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Synopsis
In a powerful statement following her acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Pragya Thakur alleges serious abuses including custodial torture and political coercion. This dramatic revelation raises questions about the integrity of the investigative process and signals potential political ramifications.
Key Takeaways
- Pragya Thakur claims she endured custodial torture.
- She accuses police officials of coercion.
- Her acquittal is framed as a victory for Hindutva.
- She intends to document her experiences.
- Political implications of her statements are significant.
Mumbai, Aug 2 (NationPress) In her inaugural public address post-acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast incident, former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur vehemently criticized the investigative procedures, claiming she endured custodial torture, coercion, and politically charged targeting by senior police personnel.
Thakur, who was among those vindicated of all allegations on July 31, characterized her acquittal as a “triumph of saffron, triumph of faith, triumph of Sanatan, and triumph of Hindutva.”
While addressing the media in Mumbai, Thakur contended that she experienced 24 days of relentless torture during her detention, pointing fingers at former Mumbai Police Commissioner Paramveer Singh as the main offender.
“The horrors they inflicted are beyond description, as words have their limits,” she asserted, indicating that she has lodged written complaints against the officers involved.
Thakur alleged that investigators coerced her to implicate notable personalities, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat, and BJP figures Ram Madhav and Indresh Kumar.
“They instructed me, ‘If you name these individuals, we will cease the torture.’ Their sole objective was to compel me to fabricate lies,” she remarked.
She also claimed that her lung membrane suffered a rupture due to the purported torture and that she was unlawfully detained at Sushrusha Hospital before being moved to another facility.
“I am documenting my narrative. All this will be revealed,” she stated.
Thakur additionally asserted that she was pressured to mention Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her time in Gujarat, which she categorically refused.
“Everyone expected me to fabricate a story. However, I did not name anyone,” she remarked.
Labeling the case as “fabricated” and “groundless,” Thakur accused numerous officers—including Hemant Karkare, Sukhwinder Singh, and Khanvilkar—of unlawful actions and coercive tactics.
“Even if we are killed, it will not matter to us. A patriot always lives and dies for his nation,” she declared, adding that efforts would be made to “hold accountable” those responsible for the alleged torture.
Her statements, rich in religious and nationalist sentiment, are poised to reignite discussions surrounding the handling of the Malegaon investigation and the broader implications of “saffron terror” narratives.
While her acquittal concludes a lengthy legal saga, the political ramifications of her declarations are anticipated to persist.
Point of View
I find Pragya Thakur's allegations of custodial torture and coercion alarming and warrant thorough investigation. It raises serious questions about law enforcement practices and the integrity of the judicial process. Balancing the narrative of justice with accountability is crucial in maintaining public trust.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pragya Thakur allege after her acquittal?
Pragya Thakur alleged custodial torture, coercion, and political targeting by police officials during her detention.
Who did Pragya Thakur accuse of torture?
She specifically named former Mumbai Police Commissioner Paramveer Singh as the main perpetrator of the alleged torture.
What was her response to pressures to implicate others?
Thakur stated that investigators pressured her to name prominent figures, but she refused to fabricate stories.
