Lt Col Shrikant Purohit (File photo) NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, who was acquitted last year in the Malegaon blast case, has been cleared for promotion to the rank of brigadier, sources said on Friday. In July 2025, an NIA court acquitted Purohit and six others, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, in the case.Purohit had moved the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) following his acquittal, claiming that his career progression had been “adversely affected” by the prolonged trial. He argued that delays in the judicial process denied him a fair opportunity for promotion within the Army hierarchy.Also Read: Who is Lt Col. Prasad Purohit? The army officer who faced terror charges and walked free after court’s acquittalLast month, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) stayed his retirement, which was due on March 31, while hearing his plea seeking promotion and related service benefits. The tribunal directed the Ministry of Defence to keep his retirement on hold until a decision is taken on his statutory complaint.At the time of his arrest in November 2008, Purohit was serving as a lieutenant colonel in military intelligence — marking the first instance of a serving Army officer being implicated in a terrorism-related case in the country.He spent nearly nine years in custody before being granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2017.Malegaon blastThe blast occurred on September 29, 2008, when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in the Bhikku Chowk area of Malegaon in Maharashtra, killing six people and injuring 95 others.Originally, 11 people were accused in the case; however, the court ultimately framed charges against seven.The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011 from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Investigators examined hundreds of witnesses over nearly 17 years before all the accused were acquitted of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and other provisions.Those acquitted alongside Purohit and Thakur were Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi (Shankaracharya), and Sameer Kulkarni.(With ANI inputs)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US TalksIndia To Post Defence Attaché In Mauritius; Oil, Gas Pact Nears Finalisation: EAM Jaishankar‘Glimmer Of Hope’: Mauritius PM Hails India’s Support Amid Iran Crisis, Eyes Key Oil And Gas DealElection Season Kicks Off With Record Voter Turnout In Assam, Puducherry As Kerala Clocks 77% VotingIndia Withdraws Bid To Host COP33 In 2028 — Here’s Why The Government ReconsideredIndia Ramps Up Gulf Outreach: Hardeep Puri Heads To Qatar, Jaishankar to UAE After US-Iran TruceAre You A ‘Worker’ Or Just An Employee? India’s Labour Codes ExplainedDelhi’s Gas Shift: IGL Asks Residents to Move from LPG to PNG Amid Supply PushIndia Tells Seafarers To Remain Indoors As Iran War Puts Strait of Hormuz On EdgeOperation Sindoor Signals India’s Shift To Multi-Domain, Data-Driven Warfare : General Dwivedi123Photostories7 elegant living room styles that enhance high-end property appeal6 rose-like flowers perfect for balcony gardens and small spaces10 home names inspired by time, moments, and life phasesHow to make Chef Kunal Kapur-Style Instant Bun Dosa for breakfastPlastic vs. stainless steel casserole: Which is healthier and safer for storing rotisKhatron Ke Khiladi 15 probable contestants list: Farrhana Bhat, Gaurav Khanna to Manisha Rani likely to join Rohit Shetty’s showAre Smriti Mandhana-Palaash Muchhal getting back together? 5 celebrity couples who reunited post break-up- From Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma to Prince William-Kate MiddletonHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly pollsHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly polls5 elegant bridal picks for a simple court wedding beyond the lehenga123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingCandace OwensCardi BTiger WoodsMrBeastUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026
NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, who was acquitted last year in the Malegaon blast case, has been cleared for promotion to the rank of brigadier, sources said on Friday. In July 2025, an NIA court acquitted Purohit and six others, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, in the case.Purohit had moved the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) following his acquittal, claiming that his career progression had been “adversely affected” by the prolonged trial. He argued that delays in the judicial process denied him a fair opportunity for promotion within the Army hierarchy.Also Read: Who is Lt Col. Prasad Purohit? The army officer who faced terror charges and walked free after court’s acquittalLast month, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) stayed his retirement, which was due on March 31, while hearing his plea seeking promotion and related service benefits. The tribunal directed the Ministry of Defence to keep his retirement on hold until a decision is taken on his statutory complaint.At the time of his arrest in November 2008, Purohit was serving as a lieutenant colonel in military intelligence — marking the first instance of a serving Army officer being implicated in a terrorism-related case in the country.He spent nearly nine years in custody before being granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2017.
Malegaon blast
The blast occurred on September 29, 2008, when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in the Bhikku Chowk area of Malegaon in Maharashtra, killing six people and injuring 95 others.Originally, 11 people were accused in the case; however, the court ultimately framed charges against seven.The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011 from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Investigators examined hundreds of witnesses over nearly 17 years before all the accused were acquitted of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and other provisions.Those acquitted alongside Purohit and Thakur were Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi (Shankaracharya), and Sameer Kulkarni.(With ANI inputs)
