Following the recent judicial verdict in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, sharp reactions have emerged across political and social circles. The decision by the Bombay High Court to acquit all accused has now raised serious questions over the role of investigating agencies and the overall conduct of the probe.

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has termed the verdict a “disturbing moment” for the justice system and has demanded a reinvestigation into the case. The party stated that the collapse of prosecution in a nearly two-decade-old case is not merely a legal failure, but also indicates deep flaws and possible bias in the investigative process.

In a statement, SDPI National Vice President Sitaram Khoiwal said that in the initial phase of the investigation, innocent individuals—particularly Muslim youth—were allegedly targeted, while later indications emerged of the involvement of elements linked to right-wing organisations. He said the entire case raises serious concerns about ideologically motivated violence and the impartiality of the investigation process.

The statement also referred to the role of the late IPS officer Hemant Karkare, noting that his investigation had attempted to uncover the deeper layers of the case. It further cited former special public prosecutor Rohini Salian, who had alleged that she was pressured after a change in government to adopt a softer approach in cases involving right-wing accused.

SDPI questioned whether investigative agencies acted independently or whether political pressure influenced the direction of the probe. According to the party, alleged weaknesses in evidence, delays in investigation, and the failure of prosecution point to a disturbing pattern that requires an independent and thorough inquiry.

The party has demanded a time-bound reinvestigation of the Malegaon blast case under judicial supervision to bring out the full truth and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law, regardless of political or ideological affiliations.

SDPI added that justice must be delivered to the victims and the truth of the entire case must come before the nation to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.