In a dramatic twist in the ongoing Malegaon blast trial, a prosecution witness has told a Mumbai court that he was allegedly pressured by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officials in 2008 to falsely implicate Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the case. The revelation has sparked political and legal interest, especially given the high-profile nature of the accused and the blast case itself.
Background: The 2008 Malegaon Blast
The Malegaon bomb blast occurred on September 29, 2008, in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. Two low-intensity bombs exploded near a mosque, killing six people and injuring over 100 others during Ramzan prayers. Initial suspicion fell on Islamic terrorist organizations, but the investigation soon took a controversial turn when several Hindu right-wing figures were named in the probe.
The case was first handled by the Maharashtra ATS before being transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011. Since then, it has remained a politically sensitive issue, with Lt Col Prasad Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (now a BJP MP) among the key accused.
What the Witness Told the Court
The key witness, Ramesh Gohil, gave his testimony before the special NIA court in Mumbai on Thursday. He claimed that during his initial questioning in 2008, ATS officials coerced him to name Yogi Adityanath and RSS leader Indresh Kumar as being part of the larger conspiracy.
“They told me to take names of influential political and religious leaders—even though I had no knowledge or connection to them,” Gohil reportedly said in court.
He further alleged that the officers threatened consequences if he refused to comply and that his statement was manipulated to serve a pre-determined narrative.
Why This Testimony Matters
This revelation is crucial because it casts a shadow on the initial ATS investigation, raising concerns over fabricated evidence and politically motivated targeting. Importantly, neither Yogi Adityanath nor Indresh Kumar were ever named in the final NIA chargesheet, and the NIA had earlier stated that there was no evidence linking them to the blast.
However, Gohil’s statement now brings to the forefront questions about how the original investigation was conducted, and whether it was influenced by political agendas.
Political Fallout
Given Yogi Adityanath's stature as a sitting Chief Minister and a prominent BJP figure, the statement is likely to reignite political tensions. BJP leaders may use this as evidence of earlier “political witch hunts”, while the opposition may demand more scrutiny into both the ATS’s conduct and the long-standing delays in delivering justice in the case.
Status of the Case
The Malegaon blast trial is ongoing, with over 300 witnesses listed by the NIA. So far, several key witnesses have turned hostile, weakening the prosecution’s case. The court continues to hear testimonies, and any claims of investigation tampering could delay the proceedings further.
Expert Commentary
Legal experts note that while witness statements alone cannot overturn investigations, such testimonies can affect the credibility of earlier evidence and open doors to independent review. They also stress the need for judicial oversight in politically sensitive investigations, especially when fundamental rights and reputations are at stake.
Published on : 2nd August
Published by : SMITA
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