Mumbai: Six family members of those killed in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast have approached the Bombay High Court to overturn the acquittal of seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit. The appeal argues that the order of the special NIA court delivered on July 31 is flawed and should be quashed.
The petition, filed by Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal and others through advocate Mateen Shaikh, contends that defects in investigation cannot be grounds for acquittal. It states that conspiracies are planned in secrecy, often leaving no direct evidence. The appeal also argues that a trial judge should not remain passive when the prosecution fails to present facts but has the authority to question or summon witnesses.
The blast took place on September 29, 2008, when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in Malegaon, killing six people and injuring 101. The state Anti-Terrorism Squad initially arrested the seven accused, alleging a conspiracy by right-wing extremists to target the Muslim community. The case was later taken over by the NIA, which the petitioners allege diluted charges.
The appeal highlights concerns over the NIA’s handling of the probe and points to allegations by former special prosecutor Rohini Salian, who said she was pressured to go slow in the case. The petition insists there was sufficient evidence linking the accused to the conspiracy and seeks their conviction. The High Court is set to hear the matter on September 15.
