Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 9: Six family members of the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast victims have moved the Bombay High Court challenging the acquittal of seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, by a special NIA court.

The petitioners, represented by advocate Mateen Shaikh, argued that flaws in investigation or trial cannot justify acquittal, and that conspiracies often lack direct evidence but can be proven through circumstantial facts. They urged the court to quash the July 31 judgment, calling it legally unsound.

The plea also raised concerns over the NIA probe and trial, alleging dilution of charges, while the state ATS had initially unearthed a larger conspiracy. The special court had acquitted the accused, citing lack of “reliable and cogent evidence” and gaps in the prosecution’s case.

The 2008 blast, executed via a motorcycle-borne explosive near a mosque in Malegaon, killed six people and injured 101. The HC appeal is scheduled for hearing on September 15 before a division bench headed by Justice A S Gadkari.