‘Call it Sanatani not saffron terror’: Prithviraj Chavan’s remark on Malegaon verdict draws BJP ire

His remarks triggered a strong response, with critics alleging communalising of the matter (Image: PTI)

The acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case drew sharp reaction from senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who on Thursday alleged that the BJP-led government had compromised the investigation and weakened the case on purpose.

“Someone definitely carried out the blast in Malegaon. I already knew this would be the outcome of the case because it was initiated during the UPA government, and later, the BJP came to power. The NIA weakened the case. Under whose leadership is the NIA working?" Chavan was quoted as saying by CNN-News18.

His remarks came after Mumbai’s Special NIA court on Thursday acquitted all the seven accused in the case noting there was "no reliable and cogent evidence" against them. The verdict came 17 years after an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon town, located about 200 km from Mumbai, on September 29, 2008 killing six persons and injuring 101 others.

“The government should tell us if those acquitted didn’t carry out the blast, then who did? The same thing happened in the train blast case. What answer will you give to the families of those who lost their lives?" Chavan asked.

Weighing in on commonly used terminology in terror-related discourse, Chavan said, “I request, don’t use the term ‘saffron terrorism’. If you must, then say ‘Sanatani terrorist’ or ‘Hindu terrorist’.” He then clarified, “But in truth, terrorism has no caste or religion.”

His remarks triggered a strong response, with critics alleging communalising of the matter. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari shared a video of Chavan on his X account, terming the Opposition party as “anti-India” and “anti-Hindu”.

“This is the real mindset of Congress. Anti India & Anti Hindu,” he wrote.