Lt. Col. Prasad Shrikant Purohit has been acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case after a prolonged legal battle that lasted 17 years. A special NIA court in Mumbai cleared him and six others of all charges on Thursday, citing lack of credible evidence and the accused in a case that shook the nation, Purohit spent nearly nine years behind bars before being granted bail in 2017. Now free of all charges, he has expressed deep relief, gratitude towards the judiciary, and a renewed pledge to serve India with the same dedication.
“I Am a Soldier Who Loves This Country”: Purohit
Standing outside the NIA court, Purohit said, “I am a soldier who loves this country immensely.” He thanked the judiciary for giving him a fair opportunity to present his side. Despite years of incarceration, Purohit said his commitment to India never wavered. “My conviction never changed. I will again serve the nation with the same dedication,” he declared.
He chose not to express resentment over his imprisonment, stating, “Organizations are like sick parts of the body, no one should suffer. I have no complaint against anyone. The nation must be strong; its foundations must be firm. Jai Hind.”
Purohit Labels the Case as Politically Motivated
Calling the charges against him politically driven, Purohit said, “I have been victimized by mentally disturbed and sick individuals. Some people misused their authority, and we had to endure it.” He maintained his innocence throughout and now stands vindicated.
Court Finds No Evidence Linking Purohit to the Bombing
The court noted that there was no credible evidence connecting Purohit to the Malegaon blast. It stated that the bomb was likely placed outside the motorcycle, not inside it. The court found inconsistencies in medical certificates and declared the panchnama at the scene faultyand the experts had not conducted the investigation properly, leading to contamination of evidence.
Crucially, the court ruled there was no proof that Purohit stored, transported, or sourced RDX, nor that he prepared the bomb it concluded that the prosecution failed to establish charges under UAPA and other provisions, thereby granting all seven accused the benefit of doubt.
