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Key Points

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has publicly congratulated Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit on his return to active military duty. This comes after a special NIA court acquitted Purohit and six others in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The court stated that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Col Purohit expressed his gratitude for the support he received during the 17-year legal battle.

Key Points: Giriraj Singh Congratulates Col Purohit on Army Return After Malegaon Acquittal

  • Union Minister Giriraj Singh praised Purohit's courage and integrity in a social media post
  • The Mumbai NIA court acquitted all seven accused due to insufficient evidence
  • Col Purohit received a grand welcome in Pune following his long-awaited acquittal
  • The 2008 Malegaon blast killed six people and injured 95 near a mosque
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Giriraj Singh congratulates Col. Purohit on his return to active service following Malegaon case acquittal

Union Minister Giriraj Singh welcomes Lt Col Purohit back to active service after his acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case by an NIA court.

"They always wanted to welcome me. But I had said that till such time as I get completely acquitted from the case, I will not be able to give you that kind of happiness. - Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit"

New Delhi, September 25

Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh on Thursday congratulated Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit on his return to active service in the Indian Army.

In the X post, Singh said, "Congratulations, Col. Purohit, on being back in uniform. The Govt stands firmly with patriots who serve the nation with courage and integrity."

Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, one of the accused, was acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.

The Mumbai NIA court on July 31 acquitted all seven accused of being involved in the 2008 blasts in Malegaon, with the court saying the prosecution failed to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

After the acquittal, Col. Purohit received a grand welcome in Pune. Expressing gratitude, Purohit told reporters, "They always wanted to welcome me. But I had said that till such time as I get completely acquitted from the case, I will not be able to give you that kind of happiness. So, this time, when the Court gave this judgement, they said that they are going to welcome me. I had no heart to say that I will not be able to make it. I am grateful."

The Malegaon blast tragedy took place on September 29, 2008, in which six people were killed and 95 others injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in Malegaon City's Bhikku Chowk.

Originally, 11 people were accused in the case; however, the court ultimately framed charges against 7, including former MP Sadhvi Pragya.

Seven accused, including former MP Sadhvi Pragya, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi (Shankaracharya) and Sameer Kulkarni, are charged under the UAPA, Arms Act and others.

The 2008 Malegaon blast case was transferred to the NIA in 2011 from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

After a 17-year-long wait and examination of hundreds of witnesses, the NIA special court acquitted all seven people accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Arms Act and all other charges.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I'm happy for Col. Purohit's return, my heart goes out to the victims' families. Six lives lost and 95 injured - justice should mean closure for them too. The court said prosecution failed to prove the case, but what about finding the real culprits?
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Arjun K
ज़िंदगी के 17 साल इस केस में लग गए! Our judicial system needs serious reforms. At least now he can serve the nation properly. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone following this case from abroad, I'm confused. If the prosecution couldn't prove the case after 17 years, why were these people charged in the first place? This seems like a massive failure of our investigative agencies.
V
Vikram M
The minister is right to stand with patriots. Our army officers sacrifice so much for the country - they deserve our trust and support. Col. Purohit's return is a victory for truth.
M
Michael C
This case shows how political these terror investigations can become. After 17 years, all accused acquitted? Either it was a weak case from beginning or something doesn't add up. The victims deserve better.
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Ananya R
Whatever the court's decision, we must respect it. But let's not forget the real tragedy - innocent lives lost in Malegaon.

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