What happened at Malegaon 18 years ago that changed narrative on terrorism? Pragya Thakur and Lt Col Purohit were...

A NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Thakur, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Six people were killed and more than a hundred injured in the blast taking place in the communally divided town of Malegaon in Maharashtra on September 29, 2008. Though the court quashed the case on Thursday, people still may remember how the incident shocked the nation and changed the narrative of terrorism in India. People from extremist right-wing Hindu outfits were arrested for being involved in the explosion of the low-intensity bomb fitted to a motorcycle.

ATS arrests Pragya Thakur, Srikant Purohit

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Pragya Thakur and former Indian Army officer Lt. Col. Srikant Purohit as the prime suspects in the case. The arrest of these people, belonging to right-wing Hindu outfits, dramatically changed the narrative on terrorism in the country and added the controversial political phrase "Hindu terror" or "saffron terror." Both denied their involvement and were later granted bail. Maharashtra ATS arrested Pragya Thakur, who later became a BJP MP, in October 2008, as the motorcycle used in the blast was registered in her name.

It also claimed that she was part of a larger conspiracy to target Muslim-dominated areas in retaliation for earlier terror attacks on Hindus. It arrested Lt Col Purohit, then an Indian Army officer posted in military intelligence, for allegedly providing logistical and material support to a radical Hindu outfit named Abhinav Bharat. The ATS alleged the organisation was behind the Malegaon blast. The ATS also claimed Purohit had helped arrange explosives; he attended the meetings where attacks were allegedly planned.

Pragya's advocate, JP Mishra, said that the ATS planted evidence against her and the other accused because they couldn't find any evidence. Alleging that the MCOCA was slapped without any basis and the accused were tortured, he said, "They fabricated evidence to prove their propaganda of 'saffron terror.' We are certain that truth will prevail and my client will be acquitted."

NIA takes over

Later in 2011, the case was handed over to the NIA, which dropped some of the charges, including those under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). However, it retained charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code. Both accused were granted bail in 2017. 

Malegaon changes narrative

Then ATS chief Hemant Karkare claimed that the blast was carried out by individuals linked to right-wing Hindu extremist groups. The investigation marked a turning point in Indian counter-terrorism narratives. It was found for the first time that individuals associated with Hindu organisations were accused of terrorism. He also claimed that the blast was part of a broader plan to carry out retaliatory attacks against Muslims and avenge the earlier terror attacks on Hindus.