Malegaon blast case: 39 witnesses turned hostile, weakened case of prosecution | India News

MUMBAI: Trial in Malegaon blast case noticed 39 witnesses flip hostile, retracting earlier statements and casting doubt on essential components of the prosecution’s case. Since 2021, a number of witnesses showing earlier than the NIA courtroom denied prior testimonies, typically alleging coercion or fabrication by businesses, notably the ATS.Acquitting all seven accused Thursday, choose A Okay Lahoti mentioned prosecution witness testimonies have been riddled with inconsistencies and contradictions. “Such discrepancies undermine credibility of prosecution’s case. The witnesses have retracted from their earlier statements given to ATS. Therefore, neither conspiracy is proved nor meetings are proved,” the choose noticed.Of the 71 witnesses cited towards Lt Col Purohit, round 20 didn’t help the case.A two-wheeler agent, key to linking the bomb-laden bike, turned unsure throughout cross-examination. While he initially instructed police he bought a Hero Honda with a specific quantity, he later claimed he could not keep in mind it. The prosecution mentioned forensic proof backed his earlier model.An angadia staffer denied information of monetary dealings involving accused Ajay Rahirkar. Several witnesses, together with ex-army officers, alleged ATS pressured them to implicate Purohit. Prosecution argued retractions have been deliberate, geared toward aiding the accused.