The Bombay High Court today granted bail to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in 2008 Malegaon blast case but rejected a similar bail plea of Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit.
The High Court granted bail to the Sadhvi on three terms, a personal bail bond of 5 lakh rupees, she should not influence the witnesses and tamper with the evidence, and that she should submit her passport to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Sadhvi’s counsel argued that although NIA court had rejected her bail plea last year, it had dropped all charges against her in its charge sheet.
“Welcoming the court decision, Sadhvi’s counsel said the case was politically fabricated and justice has been done. Now Sadhvi Pragya will be released from jail.
He also added that the restrictions imposed by the court would be adhered to. Earlier, the NIA had informed the HC that it had no objection if Sadhvi was granted bail as the provisions of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) were not applicable in Sadhvi’s case.
NIA also claimed that the ATS probe was faulty as many witnesses had retracted from their statements. The NIA however held charges against Col. Purohit under sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Explosives Substance Act and Arms Act. The 2008 Malegaon blast had killed seven people and injured 101 persons.