By Admin 
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant and dramatic shift in its stance regarding the 2008 Malegaon blast case by seeking the death penalty for former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and six other accused. This development comes nearly 17 years after the tragic bomb blast that killed six people and injured over 100 in the communally sensitive town of Malegaon, Maharashtra.
Background of the Case
On September 29, 2008, an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in Malegaon, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) initially investigated the case before the National Investigation Agency took over in 2011. The accused include Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, and Sameer Kulkarni.
Evolution of NIA’s Position
Initially, the NIA had filed a chargesheet in 2016 that gave a clean chit to Pragya Thakur and three others, citing insufficient evidence. The agency had even not opposed her discharge plea. However, the special NIA court rejected her discharge plea, and the trial proceeded.
In a marked reversal, the NIA’s final written arguments, submitted in April 2025 and spanning over 1,389 pages, now urge the court to impose the maximum punishment, including the death penalty under Section 16 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This section allows for the death sentence if a terrorist act results in death.
Evidence and Arguments
The prosecution’s case highlights Pragya Thakur’s alleged involvement in conspiracy meetings and the use of her motorcycle to plant the bomb. The NIA contends that the testimonies of witnesses who turned hostile should not benefit the accused, arguing that their late retractions undermine their credibility.
The prosecution examined 323 witnesses during the trial, with 34 turning hostile. The final arguments emphasize the conspiracy and terrorist acts committed by all seven accused, seeking commensurate punishment for the loss of innocent lives.
Political and Legal Controversies
The case has been fraught with allegations of political interference and controversy. Former special public prosecutor Rohini Salian claimed pressure to go soft on Pragya Thakur and others, which she resisted, leading to her stepping away from the case. Pragya Thakur’s subsequent political career as a BJP MP has further politicized the proceedings.
Verdict Awaited
The special NIA court in Mumbai has reserved its verdict, scheduled to be pronounced on May 8, 2025. The families of the victims and legal experts await the judgment, hoping for justice after nearly two decades.
Conclusion
The NIA’s demand for the death penalty in the Malegaon blast case marks a pivotal moment in one of India’s longest-running terror trials involving alleged right-wing extremist elements. The forthcoming verdict will be closely watched as a test of India’s judicial resolve in addressing terrorism and delivering justice irrespective of political affiliations.
This case underscores the complexities of counter-terrorism law, communal sensitivities, and the interplay of politics and justice in India’s legal system.