Contradictions galore in NIA, ATS investigations

The National Investigating agency (NIA), in its investigation, revealed the grey areas by the Maharashtra Anti-terrorism squad (ATS) over the statements of the witness who named Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for her alleged role in Malegaon 2008 blast case.

The benefit of the clarification was given to the accused, who was on Tuesday released on bail. The NIA had given a clean chit to Sadhvi on the grounds that the statements recorded by the ATS of the witnesses were done under duress and thus prima facie no case was made out against Sadhvi.

A senior counsel on condition of anonymity said, "In the investigation carried out by the ATS and the NIA respectively, there are contradictions in the statement made by the witnesses as a result of which the credibility of the witnesses will be challenged at the time of trial but during bail, the benefit was given to Sadhvi while considering her bail."

RULES FLOUTED

The charge sheet filed by the NIA said Purohit flouted Army service rules by forming an outfit, Abhinav Bharat, in 2006