Special NIA Court Cancels Bailable Warrant Issued Against BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur In 2008 Malegaon Blast Case

The Special NIA Court on Friday cancelled the bailable warrant it issued against BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, a prime accused in the Malegaon 2008 blast case, after she appeared before the court.

Special Judge AK Lahoti had issued the warrant owing to Thakur's repeated non-appearance in the matter. The court however stayed the warrant after being informed she was admitted to the hospital in Mumbai and Nia officers were yet to serve the warrant on her.

On Friday, Thakur appeared before the court at 2.50pm. Her advocate Prashant Maggu filed an application seeking cancellation of warrant.

Considering Thakur's “ill-health” and after perusing her “medical papers,” the court cancelled the bailable warrant. Maggu then filed a second application seeking another date for recording her accused statement under Section 313 of the CrPC. It said:

“Accused no. 1 appeared in the court for cancellation of warrant. Medical certificate on record shows that she is having ill-health and doctor has advised her to take rest. The documents on record also shows that medication is going on. Ld. Advocate urged that she is not in position to sit, to walk and even to sign. I found substance in it as she appeared in the court with the help of supporting aid. Considering the aforesaid aspects, the application is allowed for today.”

Accordingly, the court directed Thakur to remain present on March 28, 2024.

The Malegaon blast, which occurred on September 29, 2008, resulted in six fatalities and over 100 injuries when an explosive device attached to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in the town of Malegaon, located approximately 200 km from Mumbai in north Maharashtra.

Initially investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, the case was later transferred to the NIA in 2011. Pragya Singh Thakur, who is currently serving as a BJP Member of Parliament from Bhopal, is among the accused in the case.

Thakur, along with six others, is facing trial in the case under various sections of IPC, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Explosive Substances Act, Indian Arms Act, and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. The court is currently recording statements of the accused under Section 313 of CrPC.

Case no. – Spl. Case 100001/2016

Case Title – National Investigation Agency v. Pragyasingh Chandrapalsingh Thakur and Ors