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This is an archive article published on April 20, 2024

Malegaon 2008 blast case: Court allows exemption to Pragya Thakur as a ‘last chance’

The court is currently recording statements of the accused in connection with the blast which took place in Malegaon on September 29, 2008, killing six and injuring over 100.

Malegaon 2008 blast case, Pragya Singh Thakur, National Investigation Agency, Thakur health condition, pragya thakur treatment, therapeutic intervention, indian express newsThe NIA said that the medical certificate submitted to the court did not specify that she was not in a position to move or travel from Bhopal to Mumbai. (File Photo)

IN THE 2008 Malegaon blast case, the special court, while allowing an exemption application of accused BJP Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur, said it was a “last chance” and directed her to remain present before it on or before April 25.

Thakur on Saturday sought exemption citing that her treatment is going on in Bhopal. It was submitted that she is facing medical issues and will remain present before April 25. The court on April 8 had directed her to remain present on April 20, after a report by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) verified her health condition and said that doctors had advised her bed rest. On Saturday, her lawyers said that she is undergoing “therapeutic intervention” and treatment from pain.

The NIA said that the medical certificate submitted to the court did not specify that she was not in a position to move or travel from Bhopal to Mumbai.

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“Considering medical certificate and submission of advocate, I am of the view that the application deserves to be allowed as a last chance. The accused number 1 (Thakur) to remain present before this court or on before April 25, 2024, else necessary order will be passed,” special Judge A K Lahoti said in his order.

Last month, the court had issued a bailable warrant against Thakur after she failed to remain present in court. The warrant was stayed after her lawyers submitted that she had to be hospitalised while on her way to Mumbai and that she would remain present after she was discharged.

On March 22, after she appeared before court, the warrant was cancelled. The court had asked the NIA this month to verify her health status, nothing that her absence was hampering the proceedings.

The court is currently recording statements of the accused in connection with the blast which took place in Malegaon on September 29, 2008, killing six and injuring over 100.

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Thakur and six others are undergoing trial on charges including the anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and murder and criminal conspiracy of the Indian Penal Code.

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