Warrant issued against BJP MP Pragya Thakur in Malegaon trial, court directs her to appear before March 20

Mumbai’s NIA court today (11 March 2024) issued a bailable warrant against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pragya Singh Thakur for her absence in the Malegaon case. The Special NIA Court had directed Pragya Thakur and other accused to be present in the court to record their statements on the dates directed by the court.

Pragya Thakur’s lawyer sought exemption from appearance on medical grounds. The special judge rejected the application and issued a warrant that it would be canceled on appearance and payment of Rs 10,000. Thakur has been directed to appear in the court before March 20, 2024.

Investigating agency asked to file report by March 20

According to the report, Pragya Thakur and six others are being prosecuted in this case under the provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and IPC. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court is currently recording the statements of the accused under CRPC. The court had earlier directed the accused in the case to appear for hearing. Special Judge A. Of. Lahoti on Monday issued a warrant of Rs 10,000 against Pragya Singh Thakur and asked the investigating agency to file the report by March 20.

6 people died in the explosion in 2008

Last month (in February), the judge had warned Pragya Thakur that necessary action would be taken against her if she failed to attend the court proceedings. On September 29, 2008, six people were killed and more than 100 were injured when luggage kept on a bike exploded near a mosque in Malegaon, about 200 km from Mumbai in northern Maharashtra. Before the case was transferred to NIA, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad had initially investigated it.