Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 22: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday discharged four men accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case and quashed a special court order framing charges against them.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Shyam Chandak allowed the appeals filed by the accused — Rajendra Chaudhary, Dhan Singh, Manohar Ram Singh Narwaria, and Lokesh Sharma — challenging the earlier order of the special court.

The four had been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and criminal conspiracy, as well as under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A detailed copy of the High Court’s order is awaited.

The case relates to the September 8, 2006 blasts in Malegaon town of Nashik district, where four bombs exploded — three within the premises of Hamidia Masjid and Bada Kabrastan shortly after Friday prayers, and another at Mushawarat Chowk. The blasts claimed 31 lives and left 312 persons injured.

The investigation was initially carried out by the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which arrested nine Muslim men in connection with the case. However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which later took over the probe, attributed the blasts to alleged right-wing extremists and subsequently arrested the four accused.

The nine earlier accused were later discharged by a special court.

In September last year, the special court framed charges against the four men, prompting them to approach the High Court. In January this year, the High Court admitted their pleas, observed that a prima facie case for interference was made out, and stayed further trial court proceedings.

In their petitions, the accused contended that the NIA had failed to produce sufficient evidence against them.

With the High Court now setting aside the charges, the case has taken a significant legal turn, though further clarity is expected once the detailed order is made public.