Controversy Rekindled: BJP Leader Blames SIMI for 2008 Malegaon Blast

In a twist during the ongoing Malegaon blast trial, BJP leader Pragya Thakur blamed SIMI for the 2008 explosion. Thakur's lawyer argued that the explosion might have been accidental due to SIMI's presence nearby. The prosecution maintains Thakur and others planned the attack, while 34 witnesses turned hostile during the trial.

In Mumbai, BJP leader Pragya Thakur, accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast, shifted blame onto the banned Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), claiming the explosion might have been accidental. Thakur's advocate, J P Mishra, argued that the presence of a nearby SIMI office could have led to the incident.

The prosecution, however, maintains Thakur's involvement, alleging her and co-accused orchestrated the blast using a motorcycle belonging to Thakur. The controversial case, now 16 years old, continues as Mishra challenges the prosecution's charges, citing gaps in their case.

The court has seen 323 witnesses, with 34 turning hostile. Notably, Thakur was absent at the hearing on Thursday, despite a court order. The 2008 incident followed a similar blast in 2006, further fueling communal tensions in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)