National Investigation Agency has, as expected, watered down the Malegaon blasts case by dropping serious charges of terror against individuals associated with what came to be known as ‘Hindutva Terror.’
In a stunning development, the NIA has now reportedly dropped charges against Sadhvi Pragya, a former ABVP leader and key accused in the Malegaon blasts.
The NIA chargesheet, it’s expected, will blame the former Maharashtra ATS chief, Hemant Karkare, for carrying out flawed investigations. The NIA, according to Indian Express, will even go to the extent of accusing Karkare, who died in 26/11 terror attacks, of fabricating evidence against Colonel Prasad Purohit, another key accused and recording witness statements under duress.
Salian was removed from her post in October 2015.
“The only material evidence against her was the motorcycle on which the bomb was kept. This motorcycle was in her name but was being used by Ramchandra Kalsangra. Investigations have proved it was with him for two years prior to the blast. He was the one who would get it repaired and pay for its maintenance. Witness statements proved it,” an NIA officer was quoted by the paper.
The NIA accusing Karkare, a martyr, of fabricating evidence has left the social media incensed.
Angry users slammed the agency accusing it to work under pressure from the ruling BJP government. Some even went on to conclude that the NIA’s new charge against Karkare had killed the martyr once again.
Here are some reactions on Twitter, where Hemant Karkare has been trending since Friday morning.
Hemant Karkare, a man with impeccable integrity, must be turning in his grave as the NIA proceeds to nullify his findings in Malegaon blasts
— M K Venu (@mkvenu1) May 13, 2016
Hemant Karkare killed twice: once by 26/11 Pakistani terrorists; now by our own.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) May 13, 2016
An Innocent Lady whose bike was used to plant the Bomb is Saluting & Paying Tribute to Shaheed Hemant Karkare.(2016) pic.twitter.com/nlTcx5fMUs
— History of India (@RealHistoryPic) May 13, 2016
The system that killed Hemant Karkare is set to release all the criminal arrested by him
— Desh Premi (@Deshpremi12) May 13, 2016
Sadhvi Pragya Got Clean cheat from NIA, terrorist as no religion but here Hindu Card played. Shame, Terrorists are Our Hindu leaders now 🙁
— Wicky Ginger Reddy (@vikredfy) May 13, 2016
@PreetiSMenon @bainjal Shame on @narendramodi @PMOIndia and @BJPRajnathSingh for shaming a brave martyr like Hemant Karkare. Shame on you
— arshdeep11 (@arshdeepmehta) May 13, 2016
The late ATS Chief Hemant Karkare was killed by Ajmal Kasab. #NarendraInvestigationAgency has just completed the final honors.#Shameless
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) May 13, 2016
Hemant Karkare dies again today. https://t.co/fBKBJhZBC6
— Preeti Sharma Menon (@PreetiSMenon) May 13, 2016
The RSS has always hated Hemant Karkare, the man who laid his life fighting terrorists. Now a sustained malicious campaign against him. Sad!
— Gaurav Pandhi (@GauravPandhi) May 13, 2016
Sadhvi Pragya to be freed, Col Purohit exonerated. Hemant Karkare fudged evidence! How we celebrate our martyrs!
— Ajith (@ajith27) May 13, 2016