Following her acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, former MP Sadhvi Pragya broke down in tears at the Mumbai NIA Special Court, declaring that the verdict marked a victory for “Bhagwa and Hindutva” and that the real culprits would face divine justice.
“Bhagwa was defamed through a conspiracy. Today, Bhagwa and Hindutva have won,” she said emotionally. “Those who are truly guilty will be punished by God. I thank you, sir,” she added, addressing Judge Abhay Lohati.
The court acquitted all seven accused in the Malegaon blast case after 17 years of investigation, which included the examination of hundreds of witnesses. The case, initially investigated by Maharashtra ATS, was handed over to the NIA in 2011. The accused were cleared of all charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, and other related laws.
Sadhvi Pragya, who was allowed to sit in the witness box due to health issues, recalled how she was allegedly tortured during the investigation. “I was arrested, tortured, and my life as a spiritual seeker was destroyed. I lived like a dying person every day,” she said.
Retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, another acquitted, also expressed relief and spoke of the trauma faced by his family. “We were subjected to physical, mental, and financial torture. My family was labelled as terrorists. This verdict has finally cleared that stigma.”
Lt Col Prasad Purohit thanked the court for restoring faith in the justice system. “In a nation’s life, individuals don’t matter—only the nation does. I don’t blame the system, but the people within it who misused their power,” he stated.
The court has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the alleged planting of explosives at the home of accused Sudhakar Chaturvedi. Sameer Kulkarni, another acquitted, requested to chant slogans in court but was denied permission.
Ahead of the verdict, tight security was deployed outside the Mumbai NIA court. Several witnesses were present to hear the judgment.
The Malegaon blast occurred on September 29, 2008, when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in Bhikku Chowk, killing six and injuring 95. Originally, 11 individuals were charged, but only seven—including Sadhvi Pragya—faced trial.