The case has been marked by delays, controversies, and political sensitivities
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – The industrial city of Malegaon in Maharashtra continues to be haunted by the tragic events of September 29, 2008, when a bomb exploded in Bhakko Chowk (now known as Hemant Karkare Chowk), killing six people and injuring more than 100. Sixteen years on, justice remains elusive for the victims, and frustration mounts as the legal process drags on.
On Monday, defence lawyers representing the key accused including former BJP Member of Parliament Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Colonel Shrikant Purohit, concluded their cross-examinations. The prosecution will begin its arguments in the case on Tuesday. However, for Nisar Ahmed, a petitioner representing the victims with the support of Jamiat Ulema Hind’s Maharashtra chapter, the prolonged trial has left the victims’ families disheartened.
“Despite clear directives from the Supreme Court and the high court, justice remains a distant hope for the victims. Sixteen years have passed, and we are still waiting for a verdict,” said Ahmed, highlighting the ongoing plight of those affected by the blast.
Frustration and Delays
Shahid Nadeem, Jamiat Ulema’s legal cell consultant and an assistant lawyer in the case, pointed to the numerous hurdles that have delayed the proceedings. He emphasised that while the trial before the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, presided over by Judge AK Lahoti, is nearing its conclusion, the long years for the case to conclude has taken a toll on the victims’ hopes for justice.
“The involvement of high-profile individuals such as Pragya Singh Thakur, Colonel Purohit, and others has complicated the trial. The case has suffered from the changing political landscape, government transitions, and multiple shifts in investigative agencies. Additionally, appeals filed by the accused have contributed to the delay,” Nadeem explained.
Fraught with Challenges
The Malegaon blast case has been fraught with legal and procedural challenges from the outset. Initially investigated by Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the case was later transferred to the NIA. The ATS arrested several individuals based on their alleged involvement in the blast, while the NIA later shifted focus, leading to conflicting narratives.
Nadeem further underscored that Jamiat Ulema’s intervention in the case played a pivotal role in ensuring that key accused were not discharged prematurely. “Had it not been for Jamiat’s legal assistance, the accused, including Pragya Thakur and Colonel Purohit, might have been cleared of charges early on. This intervention has kept the case alive, but it has also contributed to the victims’ growing impatience as justice remains delayed,” he said.
Accused Granted Bail, Witnesses Dwindle
One of the major concerns surrounding the trial is the NIA’s perceived lack of enthusiasm in pursuing the case. “The NIA’s weak follow-up and investigation have given the accused significant relief, leading to bail for some. In addition, the long list of witnesses and frequent disruptions have further delayed the case,” Nadeem noted.
Despite the victims’ frustration, the case has now reached its final stage, with only the conclusion of the arguments and the delivery of the verdict remaining. However, it is still uncertain when the final judgment will be delivered.
For the families of the deceased and the injured, the wait for justice feels endless. As the trial progresses, the victims and their advocates hope that the conclusion of this long legal journey will bring closure and justice to a case that has been marked by delays, controversies, and political sensitivities.
