2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict: Mumbai Special NIA Court Turns Into Fortress Amid Heavy Security Deployment

Mumbai: In the long-standing 2008 Malegaon blast case, the Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court on Wednesday acquitted BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, and five others of all charges. The judgment was delivered by Special Judge A.K. Lahoti, who held that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Heavy Security Outside Mumbai Court

The court premises witnessed unprecedented security, with heavy deployment of Mumbai Police personnel, the Quick Response Team (QRT), and other agencies. The entire area around the special court was cordoned off, effectively turning it into a ‘no-man’s land’ for the day.

Entry Restricted Amid High-Profile Verdict

Regular litigants and visitors were barred from entering the premises unless subjected to stringent checks. Those wishing to attend other court proceedings were kept behind the main gate and asked to wait in queues.

Acquittal Follows Years of Bail, Legal Hurdles

Security checks were thorough, and entry into the courtroom was tightly controlled, as high-profile accused including Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt. Col. Purohit were brought under heavy escort.

The acquittal comes after years of legal battles, during which some of the accused, including Thakur, were granted bail citing lack of evidence and deteriorating health.

No Law and Order Disruption Reported

No untoward incident was reported outside the court, although security forces maintained a strong presence to manage any potential fallout from the verdict.