July 31, 2025

On Thursday, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed significant disappointment following the court's ruling that acquitted all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The incident, which occurred on September 29, 2008, resulted in the tragic loss of six lives and left nearly 100 individuals injured, all targeted due to their religious beliefs. Owaisi condemned the verdict, attributing it to a 'deliberately shoddy investigation and prosecution,' highlighting the urgency for justice for the victims. In his comments, Owaisi took to social media platform X, questioning whether the central and Maharashtra state governments would seek to appeal the court's judgment. 'Seventeen years after the blast, the Court has acquitted all of the accused for lack of evidence,' he stated. He expressed concern that the governments led by Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Fadnavis would fail to act, contrasting this with their prompt response in the Mumbai train blasts case, where swift legal action was demanded after acquittals. Owaisi’s criticism extended to the prosecution's handling of the case, referencing Rohini Salian, the special public prosecutor who had previously alleged that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had prompted her to 'go soft' on the accused. He recalled events from 2016 and 2017, where discussions were held about acquitting leading suspects, raising further questions regarding the fairness of the investigation. He evoked the memory of Hemant Karkare, the former Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief who was instrumental in uncovering the conspiracy behind the Malegaon blast, before being killed in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Karkare’s efforts were reportedly undermined by political agendas, as insinuated by Owaisi who referred to remarks made by political figures regarding Karkare's untimely death. Amidst these discussions, Owaisi called into question whether the investigative agencies, including the NIA and ATS, would face any accountability for their alleged failures in the case. He remarked, 'This is the 'tough on terror' Modi government. The world will remember that it made a terror accused a Member of Parliament.' The court's decision to acquit all seven accused, including notable figures like former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, stemmed from the absence of 'reliable and cogent evidence' against them. Special Judge AK Lahoti pointed out multiple inconsistencies and loopholes in the prosecution's case. He stated that 'mere suspicion cannot take the place of real proof,' thus ruling in favor of the accused, who anxiously awaited the verdict and were visibly relieved once acquitted. The court also asserted that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) provisions were not applicable in this case, further complicating the situation surrounding accountability. As the judgment was delivered, the accused expressed their gratitude towards the judge and their legal defense team, marking a significant moment in what has been a protracted legal battle. Owaisi’s statements reflect a broader concern regarding the justice system's ability to address acts of terror and the implications of political influence on legal proceedings. The wake of this verdict continues to stir discourse on the effectiveness of investigation practices and the obligations of government entities to uphold justice for victims of terror-related incidents.

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Tags: Asaduddin owaisi, Malegaon blast, Acquittal, Investigation, Nia,