NIA drops charges against Pragya - The National Investigation Age- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

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The National Investigation Agency on Friday dropped the names of Sadhvi Pragnya Singh Thakur and four others as 'accused' in the September 2008 Malegaon blasts case, in its charge sheet filed before a Special Court here.

In This Pic : Pragnya Singh Thakur

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

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Stringent charges under MCOCA have been dropped against all accused, citing insufficient evidence.

In This Pic : Pragnya Singh Thakur

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

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Apart from Sadhvi Pragya, four more accused, Lokesh Sharma, Shiv Narayan Kalsangra, Shyam Bhavarlal Sahu and Praveen Takkalki were also given clean chits. Another accused Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit has been charged under the anti-terror law UAPA and other provisions of IPC.

In This Pic : Pragnya Singh Thakur

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

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The dropping of charges against Pragya sets the stage for her early release from jail. Last month, the NIA said the investigation failed to find substantial evidence that establishes Pragya's involvement in the blast.

In This Pic : NIA drops charges against Pragya

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

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The Congress alleged that accused are being let off lightly because of their links with the central government. Party leader Digvijaya Singh said, "The central government wanted to save Malegaon (blast case) accused as they have connections with them."

In This Pic : Pragnya Singh Thakur

Pic Courtesy : BCCL