Lt Col Purohit to be promoted brigadier after Malegaon case acquittal

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant development, the Indian Army has approved the promotion of Prasad Shrikant Purohit from Lieutenant Colonel to Brigadier following his acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The decision comes shortly after the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) stayed his retirement, which was scheduled for March 31, 2026. Purohit had approached the tribunal seeking restoration of his withheld promotion and service benefits after which the Ministry of Defence was issued a notice and the retirement stay was extended until a final decision on his complaint.

During the proceedings, Purohit argued that his military career suffered significantly due to his prolonged involvement in the Malegaon case. He maintained that years of legal battles and delays deprived him of rightful promotions and opportunities within the Army. The tribunal considered his plea, especially in light of his recent acquittal, paving the way for reconsideration of his career progression.

Earlier, on July 31 a special National Investigation Agency court in Mumbai acquitted Purohit and other accused in the case, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The case dates back to September 29, 2008 when a blast near a mosque in Malegaon, Maharashtra killed six people and injured 95 others. After years of investigation and trial all accused were cleared of charges under laws including UAPA and the Arms Act bringing a major legal closure to the high-profile case.