“Clear Signs of Conspiracy”: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Reacts to Malegaon Blast Acquittals

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday reacted cautiously to the acquittal of all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case by a special NIA court, stating that the state government would examine the verdict thoroughly before taking any further legal steps.

Addressing reporters shortly after the judgement was pronounced, Fadnavis said, “We will see this in detail, and after that any decision will be taken (on going to the Upper Court). The things that are coming forward clearly show that this was a conspiracy.”

His remarks come on a day when the special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused, including BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, citing lack of credible evidence. The verdict marks the end of a 17-year-long legal battle in one of the most politically and communally sensitive cases in recent Indian history.

Chief Minister Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio in Maharashtra, stopped short of welcoming the court’s decision, instead focusing on the larger implications and possible political motivations behind the case. “From what is being understood now, it is evident that certain people were deliberately framed. This wasn’t just a lapse — it looks like a well-planned attempt to mislead the investigation and create a false narrative,” he added.