In the ongoing trial of the 2008 Malegaon blast case, the 34th witness has turned hostile, alleging that the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had taken his statement at gunpoint. The witness, who was a scrap dealer, said that he had been summoned by the ATS and threatened with dire consequences if he did not implicate the accused in the case. He said that he had no involvement in the case and was not aware of any conspiracy.
This is the latest in a series of witnesses who have turned hostile in the case, casting doubts on the prosecution’s case against the accused. The 2008 Malegaon blast took place on September 29, 2008, killing six people and injuring several others.
The case has been shrouded in controversy from the beginning, with allegations of political interference and communal bias. The accused in the case are mostly members of the right-wing Hindu groups, and the case has been seen as a test of India’s commitment to secularism and the rule of law.
The trial has been going on for over a decade, with numerous delays and adjournments. The latest turn of events is likely to further delay the trial and raise questions about the reliability of the witnesses.
The defence lawyers have accused the ATS of coercion and intimidation of witnesses, and have called for a re-investigation of the case. They have also alleged that the prosecution has been selective in presenting evidence and withholding crucial information.
The prosecution, on the other hand, has accused the defence of trying to delay the trial and undermine the evidence. They have pointed out that the witnesses who have turned hostile had earlier given incriminating statements, and have questioned their sudden change of stance.
The Malegaon blast case is one of several high-profile cases involving right-wing groups and their alleged involvement in acts of terror. The acquittal of Swami Aseemanand and several others in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case and the 2013 Hyderabad twin blasts case has raised questions about the credibility of the investigating agencies and the prosecution.
The increasing number of witnesses turning hostile in the Malegaon blast case is likely to strengthen these doubts and fuel conspiracy theories. It is also likely to increase pressure on the government to take action against the investigating agencies and ensure a fair and impartial trial.
The Malegaon blast case is a reminder of the deep fault lines that exist in Indian society and politics, and the challenges of upholding the principles of justice and equality in a diverse and complex country. It is also a test of the resilience of India’s democratic institutions and the commitment of its citizens to uphold the rule of law.
