Col Purohit likely to be released on bail today

The release of Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit was delayed on Tuesday as the bail formalities could not be completed.

However, the armyman will most likely get to join his family on Wednesday. Col Purohit, a Military Intelligence Officer, was suspended from the army after he was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad for his alleged involvement in the 2008 blasts at the powerloom town of Malegaon in Nashik district.

“I am happy,” Col Purohit said in his first reaction after he was granted bail by the Supreme Court.

He spoke as he was being escorted in a police van from the Tàloja Central Jail to the Mumbai Sessions Court for completing bail formalities and file discharge application.

The special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court had given him the release order and he is likely to be released on Wednesday.

Food by mother

Later, on being asked by a TV reporter whether he was framed, Purohit replied: “Obviously.”

“I want to join my family and my organisation,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to eating food cooked by his mother and spending time with his son.

Pune-born Purohit was behind the bars for nine years. Son of a bank employee, Purohit joined the army and was first assigned to the Maratha Light Infantry.

He was later attached to the Military Intelligence. Purohit will be required to report to the nearest Indian Army unit, within 24 hours after his release.

DH News Service