Malegaon Blast Twist: Witness Milind Joshi Claims CBI Asked Him To Falsely Name Yogi Adityanath
In a statement to Zee News, Joshi alleged that he was subjected to custodial torture and pressured to implicate senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders, including the current Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who at the time was only a Member of Parliament.
"There was intense pressure to name Yogi Adityanath," Joshi claimed. "In 2008, he was not the prominent figure he is today, but there was still a clear effort to falsely link him and others to what was being framed as 'Hindu terrorism.' I was detained and tortured. False evidence was being created."
#BigBreaking :#MalegaonCase #MalegaonBlast #BreakingNews@akhileshanandd pic.twitter.com/G3QCZqkQT4 — Zee News (@ZeeNews) August 1, 2025
Joshi further revealed that although the investigation was officially being conducted by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had also participated in the interrogations. "It was strange, some CBI officers from Delhi were questioning us, and they were extremely aggressive. I'm not sure if they had jurisdiction at the time, but they were certainly involved and used intimidating tactics," he said.
"In 2008, Yogi Adityanath, this name was not as big as it is today. Today, he has become a global name. However, in 2008, he was just an MP, and there was considerable pressure on us to take his name. A lot of pressure was put on us for this. The case was actually being investigated by Maharashtra ATS, but a surprising thing was that some CBI officers had come from Delhi, and they were also interrogating. I am unsure whether this case fell under the CBI's jurisdiction at the time. I don't know anything but some CBI officers used to come from Delhi and do the interrogation, and they used to do it very rudely. The officers of Maharashtra ATS were also putting pressure. But the Delhi CBI officers used to behave very rudely and threaten us," he revealed.
#BigBreaking :'#MalegaonCase #MalegaonBlast #BreakingNews @akhileshanandd pic.twitter.com/38r5xEe3jO — Zee News (@ZeeNews) August 1, 2025
These revelations come in the wake of the court's decision on Thursday to acquit all accused, including former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, due to a lack of evidence. The court dropped all charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Malegaon blast took place on September 29, 2008, near Bhikku Chowk mosque in the Nashik district town of Malegaon. The explosion, caused by a bomb strapped to a motorcycle, occurred during the holy month of Ramzan and just days before Navratri. It killed six people and injured over 100 in the communally sensitive region.
The investigation, initially handled by Maharashtra ATS, was transferred to the NIA in 2011. Over the course of the lengthy legal process, spanning nearly 17 years, more than 100,000 pages of documentation were presented. The trial saw 323 witnesses testify, though 34 of them turned hostile, significantly weakening the prosecution's case.
The court, which concluded hearings in April and reserved its verdict on April 19, delivered the judgment in a packed courtroom. It also directed the government to pay Rs 2 lakh in compensation to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 to each injured victim.
Joshi's latest claims have sparked renewed debate about the integrity of the investigation and the possibility of political interference during the early stages of the case. Legal experts and political observers are now calling for a thorough examination of the witness's allegations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
SP insulted Lord Ganesh, damaged education system: Yogi
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday criticised the Samajwadi Party's 'PDA Pathshala', calling it an attempt to dismantle the education system. The PDA Pathshala is a campaign launched by SP workers in protest against the Uttar Pradesh government's school pairing policy. PDA stands for Pichda or Backward, Dalit and Alpsankhyak or minorities, Chief minister Yogi Adityanath feeds a child during an event in Moradabad on Wednesday. (PTI PHOTO) Speaking at an event in Moradabad, Adityanath accused the previous SP government of having made cheating a birthright in the education system, jeopardising the future of the youth. He accused the SP of even insulting Lord Ganesh and damaging the state's education system. Recalling an incident from the time of Kalyan Singh's government, he said the SP had opposed teaching 'G for Ganesh' to children. He said that while the SP had destroyed educational institutions, his government, in line with the National Education Policy, is establishing state-of-the-art educational centres like Atal Residential Schools and Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Schools. Adityanath said that the SP, which now pretends to be concerned over backward and marginalised groups, had in the past shown blatant disregard for education. The chief minister termed the BJP's victory in the Kundarki by-election in November 2024 as the people of Moradabad's response to the divisive politics of the SP and Congress. He said that the public chose satisfaction over appeasement, causing the SP-Congress candidates to lose their security deposits. The chief minister, during the one-day visit to Moradabad, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 87 development projects worth ₹1,172 crore. He called the inauguration of 60 projects worth ₹640 crore and the foundation stone laying for 27 projects worth ₹532 crore, a gift to Moradabad, symbolising a new Moradabad and a new Uttar Pradesh. He also inaugurated an Atal Residential School built at a cost of ₹79 crore. He highlighted the transparent and purposeful use of the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) fund as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He accused previous governments of turning this fund into a source of corruption and embezzlement, but affirmed that it is now being used for the education of labourers' children. The chief minister described the SP's tenure as a period of anarchy and mafia rule, alleging that their agenda was 'one district, one mafia,' and riots were instigated in every district. He also accused the SP of supporting terrorists. He said those who once rose to power through the politics of appeasement now find themselves directionless. 'Such people could neither stand with society nor with future generations,' he said, adding that BJP's schemes are based on 'santushti' (satisfaction), not 'tushtikaran' (appeasement), and aim to reach every citizen without any discrimination. During the event, he extended greetings to the people for Rakshabandhan, Krishna Janmashtami and Independence Day. He said while the Samajwadi Party government had attempted to ban festivals like Krishna Janmashtami, the current 'double-engine' government would celebrate the festival with grandeur across Uttar Pradesh. He declared that the festival would be enthusiastically organised at every police station and training institute. Connecting Raksha Bandhan with the anniversary of the Kakori Train Action on August 9, Adityanath paid tribute to freedom fighters Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Thakur Roshan Singh, Rajendra Prasad Lahiri, and Chandrashekhar Azad. The CM noted that Moradabad, once known for anarchy and hooliganism, is now famous for its brass items under the 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) scheme. Yogi stated that Moradabad now exports products worth ₹11,000 to ₹15,000 crore. . The Moradabad event where projects were launched was attended by dignitaries including UP BJP president Bhupendra Chaudhary, Minister of state Sardar Baldev Singh Aulakh, mayor Vinod Agarwal, and other BJP leaders and officials. The chief minister also performed the Annaprashan Sanskar for infants. The chief minister's visit to the Atal Residential School was marked by warm interactions with the students. He stepped into classrooms, engaged especially with girl students about the facilities available and gave autographs to some. He also distributed chocolates to all the children and concluded his visit by taking selfies with the students. Yogi also visited and praised the Constitution Park, Hanuman Park and War Museum built by the Moradabad Municipal Corporation under the Smart City scheme. During his visit, the chief minister accepted a poem titled 'Mera Rajya, Pyara Rajya' written in Braille by a visually impaired student Kumari Usha and blessed her.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
True Dharma is Accepting All Diversities, Says RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat
1 2 Nagpur: The world often believes differences must be erased to achieve unity, but harmony is built on acceptance of diversity, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS ) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Wednesday. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly built 'Dharmjagran Nyas' office in Bhagwan Nagar here, Bhagwat asserted "Hindu dharma teaches us to follow the universal dharma of humanity. Everyone's path may differ, but the destination is the same. One should neither attempt to change another's path nor should there be disputes over which path one follows." Emphasising that India has a responsibility to set an example to the world, Bhagwat said sanatan dharma's essence lies in embracing diversity with warmth and respect. "Despite differences, India's people are ultimately one. Accepting diversity is true dharma. It is not restricted to God but exists for society. When practised in the right spirit, dharma brings balance and peace," he said, adding 'dharm jagran' was essential to sustain Hindu practice beyond scriptures by awakening purity, truth, penance, and compassion. The RSS chief stressed that the country must present the world with a model of coexistence rooted in its civilisational values. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Taylor Swift Is Photographed Without Makeup, This Is How She Really Looks. The Noodle Box Undo "Any act done in the spirit of dharma is sacred. What may seem like diversity is, in fact, an expression of unity," he said. Drawing on history, Bhagwat underscored that practising dharma demands courage and steadfastness in adversity. "Dharma means duty, and from it emerge concepts like rajdharma, prajadharma, and pitrudharma. Many face hardships that test their resolve and lead them away from the righteous path, but those with determination never waver," he said. Citing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bhagwat noted that despite facing challenges, the Maratha ruler found solutions with courage and wisdom. "Many sacrificed their lives without abandoning dharma, enduring suffering rather than renouncing their beliefs. Such steadfast individuals are our ideals," he said. The inauguration ceremony at Dhanshree Hall was attended by RSS national executive member Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Vidarbha prant sanghchalak Deepak Tamshettiwar, prant sah-sanghchalak Shridhar Gadge, Nagpur mahanagar sanghchalak Rajesh Loya, Dharmjagran Nyas national head Sharad Dhole, and Nyas president Vijay Kaithe. The programme, conducted by Sunil Bhulgavkar, also saw Bhagwat felicitate Dhiraj Mahakalkar, Vivek Deshkar, and Chandan Singh for their contributions.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Koppal gears up for bandh following youth's murder
Koppal: A large-scale protest is scheduled in the city on Aug 8, condemning the murder of 26-yr-old Gavisiddappa Nayak, reportedly killed for being in love with a Muslim woman. The demonstration aims to be secular and non-partisan in its approach. All Karnataka Valmiki Nayak Mahasabha district committee held a preliminary meeting at Valmiki Bhavan on Wednesday to plan the protest. They decided to ensure large-scale participation from the community across district while maintaining a firm secular stance. Former minister B Sriramulu has been invited to join the protest, who confirmed his attendance during the meeting. He urged supporters to join the event, emphasising its importance in sending a clear message for justice. He promised support until those responsible for the murder face appropriate legal consequences and advocated measures to prevent future incidents of this nature. Several Hindu organisations have expressed solidarity with the Valmiki community's initiative, strongly denouncing the murder and declaring support for a district-wide bandh on Aug 8 (Friday). Meanwhile, progressive group leaders have appealed for calm and warned against actions that could escalate communal tension. Prof Allaprabhu Bettadur emphasised the need for compensation and land allocation to Gavisiddappa's family, citing their lack of land ownership. While advocating a thorough investigation—including the involvement of the young woman—Bettadur recommended avoiding narratives that might disrupt social harmony. SP Ram L Arasiddi said that police detained four individuals connected to the murder, including the primary suspect, Sadik Kolkar. "The other individuals arrested are Gesudaraj Patel, Nizamuddin, and Mehboob Sikkalgar. The investigation is ongoing," he stated. Tangadagi meeting District minister Shivaraj Tangadagi convened a meeting on Wednesday with Koppal MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal to review the situation. He assured justice for Nayak's family and visited them to express condolences. He described the incident tragic and stressed the govt's commitment to taking swift and serious action. The minister noted that key suspects were arrested and pledged full accountability. While addressing calls for protests, he reiterated the need to prioritise support for the grieving family. Tangadagi also stated that the woman allegedly involved would be questioned if required, and assured that there has been no political interference in the investigation thus far. Responding to local concerns over reports of prime accused Sadiq's alleged ganja consumption, Tangadagi directed police to crack down on such drug-related issues in Gangavathi and Koppal. As part of govt relief efforts, Tangadagi provided an initial compensation of Rs 4,12,500 to Gavisiddppa's parents under the SC/ST social welfare provisions. He confirmed that the total relief package would amount to Rs 8,25,000.
