In a significant turn in the long-running Malegaon bomb blast case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested the death penalty for all seven accused, including former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. The agency submitted over 1,500 pages of final arguments to the special court on Saturday, citing Section 16 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), reported the Clarion India.
The 2008 blast, which tore through Malegaon in Maharashtra on September 29, killed six Muslims and injured more than 100 others. Known for its communal harmony, the town was left reeling from the violence, which investigators later alleged was driven by a Hindutva extremist ideology.
The NIA claims the attack was meticulously planned by the accused, including Pragya Thakur, Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, and five others, using a motorcycle packed with explosives. Initially, investigations leaned towards Islamist groups, but a breakthrough by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) shifted focus toward right-wing Hindu extremists, ultimately leading to the case being handed over to the NIA.
According to the NIA, the conspiracy aimed to incite communal hatred and advance a radical ideological cause. Evidence presented includes intercepted communications, forensic analysis, and testimonies.
Pragya Thakur has long denied the allegations, asserting her innocence and labeling the case a politically motivated ploy. Her supporters claim the case is an effort to malign Hindu nationalist figures. However, the NIA paints her as a central figure in the terror plot and insists the severity of the crime justifies capital punishment.
The court is currently reviewing the agency’s extensive submissions. The verdict is expected to have significant political and communal implications, and the Malegaon case continues to underscore the challenges of tackling ideologically driven violence in India.
