MUMBAI, August 2, 2025: In a dramatic development following the acquittal of all accused in the 2008 Malegaon bombing case, witness Milind Joshirao has alleged that Maharashtra’s Anti‑Terrorism Squad (ATS) tortured him and coerced him into implicating current Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other RSS leaders in the conspiracy.
In a testimony before the special NIA court, Joshirao, one among the 39 witnesses who turned hostile, stated that the ATS officers threatened and mistreated him. He claimed the interrogators demanded he name Yogi Adityanath, Asimanand, Indresh Kumar, Pragya Thakur, and others to secure his release. When he refused, they allegedly warned him of dire consequences.
Court Rejects Statement as Involuntary
The special judge, A.K. Lahoti, reviewed Joshirao’s statements and ruled that his confession to ATS was involuntary. The court found his claims unreliable since the written statement appeared to have been dictated by ATS officers and not made on his own free will. As such, his testimony was not admitted as credible evidence in the trial.
Broader Findings Amid Acquittal
The court’s comprehensive 1,000-plus page verdict highlighted serious inconsistencies in the investigation. It flagged conflicting versions—such as whether explosives were found on a motorcycle or in a house, and found the ATS’s use of coercion and threats deeply troubling. The judge emphasized that many witness statements were made under duress and could not support prosecution beyond reasonable doubt.
Impact on Legacy of the Case
With the acquittal of all seven accused, including Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit and Pragya Thakur, questions around the integrity of the ATS investigation remain. Joshirao’s testimony brought to light previously buried allegations of forced naming, raising concerns about how terror investigations were conducted two decades ago. The court also acknowledged the psychological trauma endured by witnesses and accused alike.
Summary
A key witness in the Malegaon blast case has accused Maharashtra ATS of torturing him and coercing false testimony to name RSS leaders, including Yogi Adityanath. However, a special court has rejected this statement as involuntary. The court’s verdict on the entire case underscores lapses in the ATS probe, inconsistent evidence, and concerns over procedural misconduct.
