Yogi Adityanath Calls Malegaon Blast Case Verdict A Blow To False ‘Saffron Terror’ Narrative, Demands Apology From Congress

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Thursday (31 July) acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, citing lack of direct evidence and procedural lapses, reported Hindustan Times.

Reacting to the verdict, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly criticised the Congress.

He posted on X, “The acquittal of all accused in the Malegaon blast case is a living testament to the phrase ‘Satyamev Jayate’. The verdict once again exposes the anti-India, anti-justice and anti-Sanatan character of the Congress, which coined the false term ‘saffron terror’ and defamed crores of Sanatan believers, saints, and patriots.”

Yogi further demanded that Congress publicly admit its “unforgivable misdeeds and apologise to the nation.”

Special Judge AK Lahoti, assigned to hear cases of the NIA in Mumbai, flagged several loopholes in the prosecution's case and the investigation carried out, and said the accused persons deserved the benefit of doubt.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the verdict, blaming it on a weak probe.

He posted, “The Malegaon blast case verdict is disappointing. Six namazis were killed in the blast and nearly 100 were injured. They were targeted for their religion. A deliberately shoddy investigation/prosecution is responsible for the acquittal.”

AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel urged the Maharashtra government to challenge the acquittal in the Bombay High Court.

The Malegaon blast, which occurred in 2008, had claimed six lives and injured nearly 100, triggering widespread outrage.

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