Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s grandson question Malegaon verdict

Mumbai: Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson, Tushar Gandhi, and Babasaheb Ambedkar’s grandson, Prakash Ambedkar, are among those who have questioned the investigations into the September 2008 Malegaon blast case, political interference in the probe, and the acquittal of the accused.

“The Malegaon blasts and, before that, the Mumbai serial train blasts verdicts prove how politically influenced our investigations mechanism has become. They provide the conclusion desired by their political masters rather than serving justice,” said Gandhi, a social activist.

Ambedkar, a lawyer, politician and activist, asked if no one is guilty, who planned and executed the Malegaon bomb blasts and who killed six people.

“Why did the NIA change its stand in the investigation? Unless this question is answered, the truth will never be out! Where are the papers of the investigation, initially led by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) under the late IPS officer Hemant Karkare? Can the NIA explain why they made a fresh inquiry when an existing theory was at work? Why did most witnesses, including a few serving army officials who had earlier testified about their knowledge of the many meetings between the accused, eventually turn hostile in court? If these witnesses were initially lying, why has the prosecution not sought perjury charges against any of them?” he said.

“If the ATS had planted evidence, why has the NIA Court not held officers responsible for a flawed investigation and ordered a departmental inquiry? These questions need to be answered! Otherwise, like the earlier Manu’s Laws, shall no Brahmin be held guilty? Or, will the RSS and its affiliated members never be held guilty?” said Ambedkar.

In a post, lyricist and activist Javed Akhtar said: “Police vaalay karein bhi to karein kya / talashein bhi to voh kitna talashein / koi qatil nahin hota kisi ka / khud apna qatl kar leti hain laashein”.