Malegaon Blast Victims Seek Retention of Judge Lahoti as Trial Nears Conclusion
Victims' families plan to petition the Bombay High Court to extend Judge AK Lahoti's tenure in Mumbai, citing concerns over delays from his transfer to Nashik.
- Judge AK Lahoti, presiding over the 2008 Malegaon blast case, has been transferred to Nashik as part of the Bombay High Court's annual judicial transfers, effective June 9, 2025.
- Victims' families are preparing to approach the Bombay High Court to request an extension of Judge Lahoti's tenure in Mumbai to ensure the trial concludes without further delays.
- The trial, which has spanned 17 years and five judges, is in its final stages, with arguments scheduled to conclude by April 15, 2025, and the judgment expected to be reserved shortly thereafter.
- The 2008 Malegaon blast killed six people and injured over 100, with high-profile accused, including BJP leader Pragya Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, being tried under UAPA and IPC provisions.
- The case, initially investigated by the Maharashtra ATS before being handed over to the NIA in 2011, has involved extensive proceedings, with 323 prosecution witnesses and eight defense witnesses examined.
Free Press Journal 