From the India Today archives (2008) | Hindu militancy: A new threat?
The Bombay HC has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, an episode that had been blamed on Hindu militancy and ‘reverse terrorism’
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Pragya Singh Thakur
Sadhvi Pragya, another name for Pragya Singh Thakur, is an Indian politician who is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She represented Bhopal as a member of parliament from May 23, 2019, to June 4, 2024.
She was born in Lahar, Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district, on February 2, 1970. She was a long-time supporter of right-wing groups like Durga Vahini and the ABVP.
Later, she became a Sanyasi and ran a lot of campaigns on Hindu nationalist platforms. In 2019, she stood for and won the seat of Bhopal, defeating veteran Digvijaya Singh by more than 360,000 votes.
Under the UAPA, Thakur is still a key player in the 2008 Malegaon bombing case. She was taken into custody in October 2008 after it was believed that her motorbike was implicated in the explosion.
Trials under UAPA proceeded while MCOCA accusations were withdrawn. She and co-accused Lt. Col. Purohit were acquitted by a special NIA court in May 2025 for lack of adequate evidence.
Her assertions that cow urine cures cancer have garnered both interest and criticism, especially in light of the fact that she underwent bilateral mastectomy as part of her cancer treatment.
She subsequently explained that, in spite of her claims, she chose to get surgery. Her involvement in parliament was limited; she attended 66% of the sessions, participated in 19 debates, and fielded 36 questions throughout her tenure. No private member legislation were introduced.
In modern India, Pragya Thakur continues to play an important role at the nexus of politics, religion, and the law despite her divisive remarks and court disputes.
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"Break legs of daughters who marry non‑Hindus": Pragya Thakur sparks outrage
The internet is once again taking aim at former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur.
Sadhvi Pragya's Shocker: 'Break Legs of Daughters in Interfaith Marriages'
This special report focuses on the latest controversial statement from former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur regarding interfaith marriages. The former Bhopal MP urged parents to take extreme measures against daughters who do not comply with their wishes. She is quoted in the bulletin as saying, 'Break the legs of daughters who do not obey.' The bulletin delves into the remarks, where she also lamented that a girl born as 'Lakshmi' grows up to become a 'mistress'. This is not the first time Thakur has been at the centre of a controversy; she was previously banned from campaigning by the Election Commission in 2019 for provocative statements. This latest incident has already drawn sharp criticism, with the Madhya Pradesh Congress condemning the inflammatory comments. The report anticipates further reactions from other political parties and the National Commission for Women.
Explained: What was the Malegaon blast case and why all accused were acquitted
A special NIA court acquitted all seven accused, including Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case after 17 years.
All 7 Malegaon blast accused acquitted, BJP remands Congress' apology
This episode of India First examines the acquittal of all seven accused, including Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, citing lack of evidence by investigative agencies.
Court mein bhagwa lehra diya: Pragya Singh Thakur after Malegaon case verdict
All accused in the Malegaon blast case, including BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya, have been acquitted. Following the verdict after years of being under trial, Sadhvi Pragya said 'court mein bhagwa lehra diya'
Pragya Thakur gets emotional after acquittal in Malegaon blast case
Former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur broke down in court on Thursday after being acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Describing the verdict as a triumph for Hindutva, Thakur declared that the “allegation of saffron terrorism has been proven false.” Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti was seen consoling her following the emotional moment.
All 7 accused acquitted in Malegaon blast case, including Pragya Thakur
Seventeen years after the Malegaon blast in Maharashtra, a special court on Thursday acquitted all seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit. Special Judge A.K. Lahoti ruled that suspicion alone was not enough to proceed and stated that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Malegaon blast victims' kin express disappointment over acquittal of all accused
A family member of one of the victims killed in the 2006 Malegaon blast has expressed deep disappointment over the acquittal of all seven accused, including Pragya Singh Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit. Vowing to continue their fight, they said they would approach the Supreme Court to seek justice."
BJP MP Pragya Thakur's 'advice' to Hindus: Keep your knives sharp
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur attended an event in Shivmogga where she said that "at least keep knives sharp" in their homes. She also made comments against Love Jihad. While the police have registered an FIR against her, there are certain BJP leaders who are supporting her. Here's a look at the full report.
Pragya Thakur's 'knives' remarks: Will Karnataka Police take action against her?
A day after BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur asked the Hindu community to "at least keep knives sharp" in their homes, arguing that everyone has the right to protect themselves, Madhya Pradesh Congress demanded that a case of treason be registered against her for her remarks.
