Those Who Coined ‘Saffron Terrorism’ Have Been Disgraced: Pragya Thakur After Malegaon Verdict

Following the acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, former MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur responded publicly for the first time, asserting that those who coined the term ‘saffron terrorism’ have been discredited.

Taking to X, Thakur posted, “The Congress, along with all other non-believers, who are the originators of saffron terrorism and Hindu terrorism, have been disgraced. The victory of saffron, Hindutva, and Sanatan has led to the triumph of all Sanatanis and patriots. Heartfelt congratulations. Jai Hindurashtra, Jai Shri Ram.”

On Thursday, a special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven individuals charged in the 2008 blast, citing insufficient evidence.

The verdict brings an end to a case that has remained at the centre of national debate for nearly 17 years.

The blast took place on 29 September 2008, near Bhikku Chowk in Malegaon, a town with a history of communal tension.

Occurring during the month of Ramzan, the explosion killed six people and injured over 100 others.

Delivering the judgment, Special Judge AK Lahoti said the prosecution had established that a bomb blast occurred. However, it failed to conclusively link the explosive device to the motorcycle allegedly owned by Thakur.

The court observed that key identifiers, such as the chassis number, were tampered with. Additionally, the engine number was unreadable, significantly weakening the prosecution’s argument.

Charges and Investigation Timeline

The seven individuals were charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code, including:

• Criminal conspiracy,
• Murder,
• Attempt to murder, and
• Promoting enmity between groups

Initially handled by Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the investigation was transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011.

Throughout the legal proceedings, the case drew scrutiny for alleged political interference and shifting narratives.

Sadhvi Pragya was arrested shortly after the blast in 2008 and spent several years in custody before being granted bail in 2017. She has consistently claimed the case against her was politically motivated.

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