Malegaon Verdict Rebukes ‘Saffron Terror’ Claims, Says Pragya Thakur

Swift Summary

• Former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur was acquitted by a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case on July 31, 2025.
• The verdict stated that the prosecution failed to prove allegations against all seven accused, including Ms. thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit.
• The Malegaon blast occurred on september 29, 2008, killing six people and injuring around 100 individuals.
• Ms. Thakur described the verdict as a “victory of religion and truth” and said it was a rebuke to those who termed the incident as “saffron terrorism.”
• She alleged that during her imprisonment she faced torture and pressure to name prominent political figures such as PM Narendra Modi, Mohan Bhagwat, Yogi Adityanath, among others. Her claims of torture were dismissed by the court for lack of evidence or complaint during her arrest proceedings.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Pragya Singh Thakur’s acquittal in the Malegaon blast case underscores notable legal scrutiny over grave accusations tied to alleged “saffron terror.” The NIA court determined critical lapses in prosecution evidence-particularly concerning ownership ties between Ms. Thakur’s motorcycle and explosive devices-raising questions about investigative robustness in politically sensitive cases.

Ms. Thakur’s subsequent remarks touch on broader narratives around political misuse of terms such as “saffron terrorism.” Her allegations of torture are controversial; while she has reiterated them publicly, they were dismissed by courts due to procedural gaps at trial stages.

India faces dual challenges here: ensuring justice through thorough investigations for those affected by tragedies like malegaon while staying vigilant against potential politicization in high-profile cases.This outcome warrants reflection for law enforcement agencies regarding transparency during sensitive probes involving ideological associations.

Photo Credit: PTI | published – August 03, 2025 | Read more at The Hindu