The National Investigation Agency on Friday dropped the names of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and four others as 'accused' in the September 2008 Malegaon blasts case, in its charge-sheet filed before a Special Court.
The significant development will pave the way for a discharge and early release from jail for all these four accused from the sensitive case which had brought to fore the so-called 'right-wing terror' first time in the country.
The blasts, that took place on September 29, 2008, had killed four and injured 79.
According to media reports, the Maharashtra ATS, in a chargesheet filed earlier, had named 14 people as accused, including Thakur and Purohit. This was before the NIA took over the investigation three years ago.
NIAs’ probe felt pointed to ‘weak evidence’ against Thakur.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app