Indian Army Promotes Prasad Purohit to Colonel Weeks After Acquittal in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case

NEW DELHI — The Indian Army has promoted Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit to the rank of Colonel, less than two months after his acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case that killed six people and injured over 100 in a Muslim-majority town.

Purohit was among seven accused, including BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, but a special NIA court cleared them of all charges, ruling that “suspicion alone is not enough for conviction.” Families of the victims have since moved to challenge the verdict, while the NIA has shown little intent to pursue an appeal.

Purohit’s arrest in 2008 was seen as central to the case, with investigators alleging that he founded the extremist outfit Abhinav Bharat and conspired to create a “Hindu Rashtra.” He was tried under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), though charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) were later dropped.

The case spanned 17 years, with over 300 witnesses examined and dozens turning hostile. While acquitting the accused, the court noted “grave suspicion” but ruled it insufficient for conviction.

Purohit’s wife Aparna confirmed his promotion, a move widely viewed as a show of support from the establishment for the officer, who spent nearly a decade behind bars before being reinstated into service.