The National Investigation Agency has been instructed by a Special NIA Court in Mumbai to confirm the health status of BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, who is the main accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. This directive comes as Thakur has been consistently absent from trial proceedings, citing medical grounds.

Special Judge AK Lahoti noted that the ongoing absence of Thakur is impeding the progress of the trial proceedings.

“The presence of accused no.1 is necessary to record her statement u/s 313 of Cr.P.C. Due to her absence, it is hampering the court proceeding…I am of the view that, verification of health condition report requires to call from NIA in order to verify the actual position / situation.”

Nevertheless, the court granted exemption from appearance solely for the current day. Thakur had submitted an application requesting exemption from appearing in court due to health reasons. In her application, she mentioned seeking medical treatment in Bhopal and attached a medical certificate from her doctor recommending bed rest.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed Thakur's application, contending that her claims of illness had been considered multiple times before. However, due to her absence from Mumbai, the cause of her non-attendance couldn't be verified. The NIA requested the court to direct the authorities in Bhopal to verify the situation and provide a detailed report.

The court acknowledged that the process of recording Pragya Thakur's statement under section 313 of the CrPC is currently underway. It was emphasized that the dates for these proceedings were provided well in advance, taking into consideration the challenges faced by certain accused individuals, such as long-distance travel or last-minute unavailability of tickets, as well as instances of ill-health.

Previously, the court had issued a bailable warrant due to Pragya Thakur's repeated failure to appear in court for the matter. However, the warrant was subsequently revoked by the court, taking into account her reported "ill health" after she eventually appeared before the court.

The Malegaon blast, which took place on September 29, 2008, caused six deaths and over 100 injuries. The explosion occurred when an explosive device planted on a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in the town of Malegaon, situated approximately 200 km north of Mumbai in Maharashtra.

Thakur, along with six others, is undergoing trial in the case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, the Indian Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. Presently, the court is in the process of recording statements from the accused under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Case no. – Spl. Case 100001/2016 Case Title – National Investigation Agency v. Pragyasingh Chandrapalsingh Thakur and Ors

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