2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict: Special NIA Court Flags Evidence Tampering, Recommends Action Against ATS Officers

Mumbai: The special NIA court has recommended appropriate action against the “errant” ATS officers, citing the lapses and the allegation of planting of evidence. Special judge AK Lahoti ordered to send a copy of the verdict to the office of ATS chief and the government.

Injured Victims’ Medical Certificates Found To Be Fake

The scrutiny of the evidence revealed that not all medical certificates related to those injured were authentic, instead they were issued by unauthorised medical practitioners at the behest of ATS officers, said the court, recommending an inquiry.

Court Suspects ATS Planted RDX At Chaturvedi’s House

Besides, the court accepted the allegation that there was a possibility of planting of RDX traces at the house of Sudhakar Chaturvedi, who worked as army’s informer and later took 'sanyas'.

ATS Officer’s Visit To Accused’s House Raises Eyebrows

On the basis of two testimonies, the court said that the presence of ATS officer Shekhar Baghade at Chaturvedi's house in his absence was suspicious. Also, the seizure and search conducted by the ATS were faulty, the court said, adding that digital devices were not sealed.