Malegaon Blast Victims Demand Justice: High Court Challenge Against Pragya Thakur & Six Others' Acquittal

In a significant legal development that underscores their unwavering pursuit of justice, victims of the devastating 2008 Malegaon blast have moved the Bombay High Court. Their appeal directly challenges a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court's decision to discharge Member of Parliament Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and six other co-accused from severe charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The criminal revision application, lodged by the blast victims through their legal representatives, seeks to overturn the March 2024 order issued by the special NIA court.

This order had removed the MCOCA charges against Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Ajay Rahirkar, Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, and Sameer Kulkarni. While these seven accused still face trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code, the victims argue that the discharge from MCOCA was a grave miscarriage of justice.

The tragic incident on September 29, 2008, saw twin blasts rip through Malegaon, a town in Maharashtra, claiming the lives of six innocent individuals and leaving over a hundred injured.

The case has been a protracted legal battle, marked by various turns and intense scrutiny, especially concerning the alleged role of the accused.

A key contention raised by the victims in their application is the special NIA court's failure to provide a "reasoned order" when discharging the accused from MCOCA.

They assert that the lack of proper justification renders the lower court's decision "patently illegal and perverse." The victims' lawyers contend that a meticulous examination of the evidence would reveal a larger conspiracy, making the MCOCA charges entirely appropriate and necessary to ensure full accountability for the perpetrators.

This challenge in the Bombay High Court represents a renewed fight for the victims and their families.

It highlights their steadfast determination to ensure that all aspects of the alleged conspiracy behind the 2008 Malegaon blast are thoroughly investigated and that justice is delivered comprehensively. The outcome of this high-profile legal challenge will undoubtedly be watched closely, as it carries significant implications for the victims' quest for closure and the broader administration of justice in sensitive terror-related cases.