On May 8th, Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit, who was accused of an alleged role in the 2008 Malegaon blast under the UPA government, disclosed to an NIA court about the severe treatment he received while in custody. Lt Col Purohit claimed that officers from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) illegally coerced him. He was pressed to implicate leading figures from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), including the current Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath.

According to Lt Col Purohit, his ordeal began when he was forcibly taken from his posting in Pachmarhi to a bungalow in Khandala on October 29, 2008. During his detention, he recounted being interrogated by senior ATS officials such as the late Hemant Karkare, who was the ATS Chief at the time, Param Bir Singh, then Joint Commissioner of ATS, Gajanan Kabdule, a Police Inspector with ATS, and another officer named Kamble from the State Investigation Department (SID).

This controversial case has not only cast a spotlight on the methods used by law enforcement but also on the political implications, as it involved figures from major political entities. The incident led to the death of six individuals and over a hundred injuries. At the time of these events, Yogi Adityanath, now the Chief Minister, was serving as the Member of Parliament for Gorakhpur.

In a detailed written statement to the NIA Special Court under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit claimed severe mistreatment and coercion by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). In his 23-page testimony, Lt Col Purohit detailed how he was tortured and compelled by senior ATS officials to accept responsibility for the Malegaon explosion in 2008.

Lt Col Purohit explained that he was taken into custody on October 29, 2008, but was not officially recorded as arrested. He also highlighted that, although he was not formally detained, the ATS leaked false information to the media, proclaiming a breakthrough in the case and erroneously naming him, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, and others as the main suspects.

He further recounted a significant event from August 2008, more than a month before the Malegaon blast. He quoted, “out of nowhere, the President of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) at a rally of party workers in Alibaug made a statement that it is not just that there are Islamic terrorists, but there are Hindu terrorists also. This is the first time the term ‘Hindu Terror’ was coined. This soothsaying statement was immediately followed by the unfortunate incident on September 29, 2008.” Lt Col Purohit suggested that this narrative set the stage for the subsequent allegations against him and others.

He asserted that a "fabricated" inquiry was conducted to "suit the political requirements" of the ruling government at the time, directed by former IPS officer Param Bir Singh and the late Hemant Karkare, who was the head of the Maharashtra ATS.

Lt Col Purohit recounted that after his arrest in Mumbai, he was transferred to a secluded bungalow in Khandala where he was intensely interrogated by the late Hemant Karkare and Param Bir Singh, then Joint Commissioner of the ATS, among others. He expressed, "Karkare and Param Bir Singh were time and again forcing me to give out the details of my intelligence network and, a list of my sources and assets who had assisted me in mapping SIMI and ISI and Dr Zakir Naik’s activities. I refused to divulge my source network as it is against the basic ethos of intelligence."

He further detailed an alleged betrayal by his senior army commander, Colonel PK Shrivastav, now retired, who, according to Lt Col Purohit, "stabbed him in the back" by first striking him in police custody, an attack that was soon followed by assaults from Param Bir Singh while he was restrained by six constables.

Lt Col Purohit described the extent of his alleged mistreatment, stating, "I was meted with treatment which not even any animal would experience and was treated worse than a prisoner of war of an enemy country. Karkare, Param Bir Singh and Col Shrivastav continued insisting that I should own up to the Malegaon bomb blast and that I should name senior right-wing leaders of the RSS and VHP, Yogi Adityanath, the then Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh. This torture continued incessantly till 3rd Nov 2008." These statements highlight the severe conditions and pressures he claims to have faced while in custody.

He revealed that due to the abuse he endured, he suffered a fractured knee which left him unable to walk. Furthermore, he expressed grave concerns for his safety by stating, "my custodial assassination was confirmed" as he was informed that preparations were in place to shoot him.

Colonel Purohit also accused officials of planting explosives and fabricating evidence against him, including RDX. He claimed these officials were complicit in the extrajudicial executions of a witness, Sandeep Dange, and a wanted perpetrator, Ramchandra Kalsangra, thus further implicating them in severe legal and ethical violations.

Highlighting the broader impact of these actions, Colonel Purohit argued that the case against him was clearly orchestrated, noting that witnesses had begun to turn hostile. This shift, he suggested, indicated that they had been coerced into making false statements by the ATS or their political superiors and had been subjected to threats, torture, and sometimes even apprehension at gunpoint. He concluded by lamenting the permanent damage this case had caused to the army’s prestige, the morale of intelligence personnel, and national security.

Dawood met Naxal leader, wanted to supply arms from ISI to Naxal terrorists

Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit raised serious allegations regarding the handling of his case and the broader implications of his intelligence work. He contended that his phone was unlawfully tapped, asserting there were "malafide intentions" behind the approval of his and others’ prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. During his tenure as an intelligence officer, he began to investigate "fugitive terror accused and ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) agent" Dawood Ibrahim, and his interactions with Dr. Ganapati, a declared fugitive and prominent member of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) central committee.

Colonel Purohit detailed a critical meeting aimed at coordinating the logistics of arms, ammunition, war-like stores, and drug supplies from ISI, Pakistan, to left-wing extremists and Naxalites in the Dandakaranya special committee zone, which operates across entire peninsular India. He explained, "The meeting was to streamline the arms, ammunition, war-like stores and drug supply from ISI, Pakistan, to left-wing extremists and Naxalites in Dandakaranya special committee zone operating in entire peninsular India, especially after these supplies stopped getting into India from Nepal."

He also referenced a second report from 2006–07 that focused on Zakir Naik, the founder of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), who is currently on the run, and his illicit funding. Colonel Purohit emphasized the importance of examining the rise of left-wing extremism and Naxalism before starting work on this report, noting that several local and national officials were implicated in the documents.

Colonel Purohit was formally shown as arrested on November 5, 2008. He argued that the ATS had constructed a narrative of investigation around individuals they aimed to arrest, likely under directives from their political superiors. He stated, "the case was built around the targeted individuals who are now accused."

The Malegaon blast case dates back to the events of September 29, 2008, around 9:30 PM, when a bomb hidden on a motorcycle detonated near Hamidia Masjid in Malegaon, a textile town in the Nasik region of North Maharashtra known for its sensitive sectarian sentiments. The explosion resulted in the tragic deaths of six people and injuries to 101 others. Initially investigated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) unit of the Maharashtra Police, the case was later handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011.

Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit, implicated in the case, was accused of being associated with Abhinav Bharat, a trust committed to upholding Hindu ideals but also accused of using him as a cover for attacks against Muslims. Alongside him, Sadhvi Pragya Thakur was also arrested in connection with the case. After years in custody, Lt Col Purohit was finally granted bail in August 2017.

Currently, all suspects involved in the case are recording their testimonies in the special court. Viral Babar, Purohit’s attorney, has delivered a written statement on his behalf. The statements made by Col Purohit and a few other accused in opposition to the prosecution’s evidence have been completed and acknowledged by the court.

Key Points of Colonel Purohit’s Statement Made in the Court

• Involvement in Military Initiatives: Purohit stated, "In 2001, I was entrusted with the responsibility to raise a specialised Counter Terror Infantry Battalion – 41 Rashtriya Rifles. I raised the battalion in Belgaum and was in charge of training of this new battalion. Later, this battalion got inducted into the active field in Kupwara, North Kashmir. In a short period of two years, we earned a coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. Upon my injury to my knee in the field while serving here in Kupwara, North Kashmir, I was transferred to Military Intelligence (The Int Corps). Since Oct 2002, I have been serving in Military Intelligence."
• Counterterrorism Success: He highlighted his achievements, saying, "In 2004, I infiltrated the Lashkar-e-Taiba module, and after six months of dedicated efforts, I neutralised all seven foreign terrorists of this group in one single operation. It is worth mentioning here that this operation, even today, is a case study in the intelligence training establishments of the Indian Army."
• Roles and Responsibilities in Kashmir: Purohit detailed his work in Kashmir, noting, "My tasks in Kashmir were counter terrorism operations, counterintelligence, intelligence acquisition, fraternization and psychological operations. After a prolonged and strenuous but very successful 5 yr tenure in J&K, I joined Southern Command Liaison Unit at Deolali, having its’ Head Quarters at Pune."
• Duties at Southern Command Liaison Unit: He described his charter of duties as, "(a) Neutralization of hostile int efforts – whether direct or through proxys. (b) Counter Intelligence. (c) Surveillance. (d) Counter subversion and Counter Sabotage. (e) Maintaining Liaison."
• Intelligence and Surveillance Tasks: Lastly, Purohit outlined his intelligence work, stating, "Upon my joining, owing to my track record in the Army and Military Intelligence in particular, I was tasked to map SIMI (Student’s Islamic Movement of India – rechristened as Indian Mujahideen) and the presence of ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence – the Pakistani Intelligence Agency), subversive anti national activities, and likely sabotage plans in Southern Command Area of Responsibility. I was expected to complete the task in a short period of 2 years. This also included left-wing activism to include naxal activities and the unification of all these anti national elements planning nefarious activities. I developed my own strong intelligence network taking help of elements, whether individuals or organizations, from society having nationalist attitude and intents for this task and subsequent int gathering."
• "During the same period, I initiated reports regarding fugitive and proclaimed underworld criminal, antinational and known ISI agent Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar and his meeting with proclaimed fugitive, Central Committee senior leader of banned CPIML, Dr Ganapati. The meeting was to streamline the arms, ammunition, war like stores and drug supply from ISI, Pakistan to Left Wing Extremists and Naxalites in Dandakaranya Special Committee Zone operating in entire Peninsular India especially after these supplies stopped getting into India from Nepal."
• "Second such report in 2006 – 2007 was regarding now proclaimed fugitive Dr Zhakir Naik, the founder of Islamic Research Foundation and his subversive activities all along the Indian Western Coast, illegal fund raising and funding of terror organizations on behalf of ISI of Pakistan."
• "Another report was regarding the fake currency racket operating in South India."
• "I had also initiated a detailed report after critically analyzing spread of Naxalism and Left-Wing Extremism spreading from Eastern Maharashtra to Western Maharashtra all along Maharashtra – Madhya Pradesh Border, Thane and Palghar area becoming the pivot and its’ further growth all along coast line towards South and North."
• "All these and other such reports had the mention of few national and regional politicians having connections with these elements."
• "It is during this time and due to my expertise, that I was invited for training of ATS officers and their cadres in 2005 – 2006. The invitation for training was extended in writing by ATS Commissioner, Mr. K.P.S. Raghuvanshi."
• "Later in 2006 – 2007, I was invited by Nashik Police Commissioner, Late Mr. Himanshu Roy, to train Nashik Police."
• "I was detailed to undergo a course in Arabic language at Panchmari in Madhya Pradesh at AEC training College and Center while remaining posted with Southern Command Liaison Unit in year 2007."

Suspicious Arrest

The use of the term "Hindu terror" by Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi occurred much before the 26/11 Mumbai attack, suggesting a pre-existing political narrative.

From Panchmari to Mumbai, Col Purohit’s arrest and subsequent treatment raise significant concerns about the due process. He provides a detailed account of the sequence of events leading to his dramatic arrest and alleged torture in his statement to the court.

• It is worth mentioning here that in the month of Aug 2008, out of nowhere, the President of the National Congress Party at a rally of party workers at Alibaug made a statement that it is not just that there are Islamic terrorists, but there are Hindu terrorists also. This is the first time the term ‘Hindu Terror’ was coined. This soothsaying statement was immediately followed by the unfortunate incident on September 29,  2008.”
• Much before, 26/11 Mumbai attack, the term Hindu terror was used by the Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi. From Panchmarhi to Mumbai, the dramatic arrest of Col Purohit and subsequent torture raise many questions about the due process. Col. Prohit gives a detailed account of the sequence of events in his statement to the court.
• In the last week of October 2008, Col R.K.Shrivastav (Now retired), the then Director Military Intelligence – 9 from Army Head Quarters came to Panchmarhi to interact with all Military Intelligence Corps officers undergoing various language courses and particularly with me. On the very first interaction I was told that as per the claimed orders of Army Head Quarter I was ordered to surrender my phone to Col R.K.Shrivastav.
• On October 29, 2008, at around 9.00 a.m. I was called by the adjutant, Lt Col (now Col) G.C. Mohanta of AEC Training College and Center, Panchmarhi. I was handed over with the movement order directing me to proceed on temporary duty to Delhi to interact with Director MI – 20, directorate of Military Intelligence, at Army Head Quarters.
  Me and my family members were under the impression that I was proceeding to Delhi. I was made to travel with Col Shrivastav by taxi to Bhopal. Upon reaching Bhopal airport, Col Shrivastav at the last moment informed me to board flight for Mumbai and not Delhi.
• Upon reaching Mumbai, at the very gates of arrival at the airport, I was taken over by ATS personnel’s and IB officers were also present namely Sanjay Garg and I was bundled off forcefully in a white Sumo to an isolated bungalow in Khandala. The questioning started almost immediately. For first around 2 hours, the enquiries regarding personal details and background were done. Karkare and Param Bir Singh were time and again forcing me to give out the details of my intelligence network and list of my sources and assets who had assisted me in mapping SIMI and ISI and Dr Zakir Naik’s activities. I refused to divulge my source network as it is against the basic ethos of Intelligence. Upon my refusal to divulge the information, Col Shrivastav was the first one to spring from his chair and attack me brutally, instantly joined by Param Bir Singh.
• Mr. Karkare, Mr. Param Bir Singh and Col Shrivastav continued insisting that I should own up the Malegaon Bomb Blast and that I should name senior right-wing leaders of RSS and VHP, Yogi Adityanath, the then Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh. This torture continued incessantly till Nov 2008.
• In the morning of October 30 and onwards, the news channels started claiming that the Mumbai ATS has cracked the Malegaon Bomb Blast Case and Lt Col Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya and others had carried out the blast. They were also naming a few more Army Officers. Herein after, at regular intervals, ATS started leaking false information to media houses. All these things were happening when not even the investigation had commenced, nor was I arrested officially.Col Purohit explained the brutalities and torture he had to undergo during this ‘illegal detention’. He claims in the statement that Senior officers namely Brig Raj Kumar of Military Intelligence have deposed in Court of Inquiry that Col Shrivastav was not authorized to carry out any actions as mentioned here. Col Purohit also claims, “The medical certificate of fitness during my arrest is fake and fabricated. The officer who claimed to have handed over my custody to ATS was not authorized to do so. Handing over my custody to ATS itself is illegal”.

Colonel Purohit, referencing a statement by senior Investigating Officer Mohan Kulkarni, argued that the investigation lacked substance and was instead part of a deliberate effort to damage national interests. He stated that this was done with the intent to dismantle an effective Military Intelligence network, of which he was a member, and to allow anti-national elements to prosper.

Discussing the impact of this situation on India’s counter-terrorism strategy, especially concerning Pakistan, Colonel Purohit noted, “Filing of chargesheet without verification as mentioned above has harmed the reputation of the Army and has made it vulnerable to allegations from the fifth columnists and the enemy country. Pakistan left no opportunity to equate the Indian Army – the finest in the world with the rogue Army of their own country.”

He elaborated on the approach taken by the ATS, saying, “Rather than carrying out the investigation in a professional manner and to solve the case, the ATS resorted to keep the investigation limited suiting their ulterior motives to implicate me in this case to destroy the Intelligence apparatus operating in Southern Command of which I was part and keep all those facts buried which would at any case would not have allowed whether the ATS or NIA to implicate me as an accused in this case.” Furthermore, he criticized the Maharashtra ATS for ‘compromising the Intelligence agencies and the assets damaging the National security’ due to their careless handling of this sensitive investigation.

Colonel Purohit concluded his extensive statement by asserting that the prosecution against him was illegal and unconstitutional due to the absence of sanction under section 197(2). He described the investigation as "nothing but the fabrication, concoction, and orchestration of falsehoods converted into a charge sheet."

He also highlighted the timing of these legal proceedings, noting their coincidence with the election season. He remarked that the Congress party's efforts to revive the 'Hindu-Terror' narrative, particularly against the backdrop of Adv Ujjwal Nikam's candidature, indicates a deeper political motive. According to Colonel Purohit, his statement under oath sheds light on "the sinister plot of absolving Pakistan supported terror networks and framing Hindu leaders with terror charges," suggesting significant political repercussions in the process.