Relief for Sadhvi Pragya Singh in 2008 Malegaon blasts

In a huge relief to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has decided not to name her as accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts in its chargesheet.  

The investigating agency has decided to drop charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Thakur.

The NIA's decision has set stage for Sadhvi's early release from jail. Apart from Thakur, MCOCA charges against the other accused including Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Srikant Purohit are also likely to be dropped.

The accused are likely to be charged under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Charges under UAPA would mean that a lot of evidence which was admissible under MCOCA will have no value now.

Twelve persons, including the Sadhvi and Purohit, were arrested for carrying out a blast at Malegaon, a predominantly Muslim town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008, killing six persons and injuring 100.