All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday called the Bombay High Court’s verdict in the 2006 Malegaon blast case a “betrayal of victims,” reacting strongly to the discharge of four accused due to lack of evidence.
The High Court recently discharged Rajendra Chaudhary, Dhan Singh, Manohar Ram Singh Narwaria, and Lokesh Sharma, stating that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with trial proceedings against them. Owaisi alleged that the blasts specifically targeted Muslims and raised concerns over the conduct of investigating agencies.
Owaisi Questions Investigation and Arrests in Malegaon Case
Speaking on social media platform X, Owaisi said the 2006 Malegaon blasts claimed 31 lives and injured over 300 people, adding that the attack “specifically targeted Muslims.” He further stated that the accused were allegedly linked to Abhinav Bharat and criticized earlier investigative actions.
“The blasts specifically targeted Muslims. Yet, out of habit, investigation agencies first arrested nine Muslim men, who were later acquitted in 2016,” Owaisi said.
Comparison With 2008 Malegaon Blast Case
Owaisi also drew parallels with the 2008 Malegaon blast case, claiming similarities in the investigative approach. He referred to statements made by former NIA prosecutor Rohini Salian, who had reportedly said that she was asked to “go soft” on the accused in that case.
“This case has followed a similar trajectory to the 2008 Malegaon blasts case,” he added.
Bombay High Court Observations on 2006 Malegaon Blast Case
The Bombay High Court, while granting relief to the accused, observed that the case had “reached a dead end.”
A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Shyam Chandak said the case suffered from contradictory findings by different investigating agencies.
The court noted that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) “completely ignored” the earlier probe conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which had documented detailed allegations against nine Muslim accused.
ATS vs NIA Findings in Malegaon Blast Probe
The investigation into the 2006 Malegaon blasts saw major inconsistencies between agencies.
Initially, the ATS alleged that nine Muslim men were involved in the conspiracy. However, the NIA later presented a conflicting theory, suggesting involvement of right-wing extremists in the explosions.
“The diametrically opposite versions presented in the ATS and NIA chargesheets lead the matter nowhere,” the High Court observed.
Court Discharges Four Accused in 2006 Malegaon Blast Case
The High Court discharged the four accused, stating that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to sustain charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder and criminal conspiracy, as well as under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
What Happened in the 2006 Malegaon Blasts
The 2006 Malegaon blasts occurred on September 8, 2006, in Malegaon town in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. Four bombs exploded near Hamidia Masjid and Bada Kabrastan shortly after Friday prayers. Another explosion occurred at Mushawarat Chowk. The blasts killed at least 31 people and injured more than 300 others, causing widespread panic in the communally sensitive region.
