Explosive Allegation in Malegaon Blast Case: RSS Chief Was Targeted for Arrest, Says Former ATS Officer

A sensational claim by a retired Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer has reignited political and legal debates surrounding the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Former inspector Mehboob Mujawar, part of the original investigation team, has alleged that he was instructed to arrest Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat in connection with the blasts, despite the absence of credible evidence against him. Mujawar’s revelations come in the wake of the recent acquittal of all accused in the case, which had once been projected as a landmark instance of "Hindu terror."

Retired ATS office Mehboob Mujawar speaking to India Today | India Today

Background: The Malegaon Blast and the Initial Probe

The Malegaon explosion took place on September 29, 2008, in a densely populated Muslim area in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. The bomb, allegedly planted on a motorcycle, killed six people and left over a hundred injured. Initial investigations by the Maharashtra ATS focused on extremist Hindu groups, diverging from previous probes into similar attacks that typically traced links to Islamist outfits.

The case gained nationwide attention not just for its tragic impact, but also for the ideological turn the investigation took. Prominent Hindu figures, including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, were arrested and accused of orchestrating the attack. The term "saffron terror" or "Hindu terror" began circulating in political and media narratives, sparking intense debates and polarisation across the country.

Mujawar's Claim: A Plot to Frame Mohan Bhagwat?

Speaking to the media this week, Mehboob Mujawar revealed that his superior officer at the time, senior IPS officer Param Bir Singh, directed him to arrest Mohan Bhagwat, who would go on to become RSS chief in March 2009. Mujawar said he was told to include Bhagwat's name along with suspects like Ram Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange to build a broader narrative of right-wing extremist involvement.

According to Mujawar, this move was not based on any solid evidence but was politically motivated. He resisted the order, citing legal and moral objections. As a consequence, he alleges, false cases were filed against him in an effort to punish his insubordination. He was arrested, suspended, and later released when the charges were found to be baseless. Documents and audio recordings submitted to the NIA court, according to Mujawar, substantiate his claims.

Court Acquittals and the Collapse of the Case

Just days before Mujawar’s revelations, a special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused, including Pragya Thakur and Lt Col Purohit. The court concluded that the prosecution had failed to provide consistent, admissible evidence linking the accused to the bomb blast. The court acknowledged that while an explosion had occurred, there was insufficient proof to show a bomb had been planted on the motorcycle recovered from the scene.

This verdict is being viewed by many as the formal collapse of a case that had once shaken national consciousness. For those accused, the acquittal marked the end of a legal battle that spanned nearly 17 years. Several of them claimed they were tortured during custody and pressured to name prominent right-wing leaders as part of a wider conspiracy. Now exonerated, they are demanding accountability from the officers and political actors who, in their view, manipulated the investigation for ideological ends.

Political Reactions and the Accusation of “Saffron Terror”

The political fallout from Mujawar’s claim has been immediate and intense. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis supported the allegations and accused the previous Congress-led government of inventing the “Hindu terror” narrative to gain minority votes and discredit ideological opponents. He described Mujawar’s account as a confirmation of long-standing suspicions that the case was driven by political bias rather than genuine national security concerns.

Shiv Sena leaders echoed the sentiment. MP Naresh Mhaske alleged that the entire saffron terror theory was created to target Hindu organisations and leaders unfairly. BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar demanded a thorough inquiry into who gave the order to implicate Mohan Bhagwat, calling it a deliberate ploy to undermine nationalist institutions like the RSS.

A Case Study in Politicised Policing?

Mujawar’s statement brings back uncomfortable questions about the neutrality and professionalism of India’s investigative agencies. The Malegaon case had already been controversial, with conflicting narratives about the involvement of Hindu nationalist groups. Previous cases, such as the 2006 Malegaon blasts and the Samjhauta Express bombing, had also raised similar questions about how law enforcement balances evidence and political pressure in terrorism-related investigations.

The acquittals, combined with the new revelations, suggest that some investigations may have been steered more by political compulsions than forensic evidence. This not only jeopardises justice for victims but also damages the credibility of institutions tasked with protecting national security.

Conclusion: A Turning Point or a Missed Opportunity?

The Malegaon blast case may now be remembered not only for the tragedy it caused but also for what it revealed about the intersection of politics, ideology, and policing in India. The allegations made by Mehboob Mujawar—whether proven or not—highlight the urgent need for insulation of investigative agencies from political interference.

As public confidence in law enforcement hinges on their independence and fairness, this case could become a watershed moment in how India evaluates its counter-terrorism framework. Whether the system learns from these failures or allows them to be repeated will shape the future of justice and governance in the country.

(Sources: NDTV, India Today, Hindustan Times)