Will not ask for promotions: Lt Col Prasad Purohit

The Sessions court on Thursday had turned into a fortress with army men shielding the court premises with their weapons in position as the 2008 Malegaon blast accused Lt Col Prasad Purohit was there to attend the hearing on his discharge application. He arrived in a military convoy. Purohit and his wife Aparna were flanked by beefy military men to prevent any untoward situation.

Since the entire proceeding was an on-camera one, Purohit's lawyer refused to comment on the matter. The case has been adjourned for further hearing on August 28.

Aparna, who was elated with her husband's release, said: "Now that Prasad is out, I have my own plans, which I do not want to share. But those plans are just mine and will include only me. However, now that the Ganapati festival is going to start, I would be busy with the celebrations," she said.

When asked about his loss of track in service, Purohit said, "I am a destiny's child and would walk where my destiny takes me. I would be more than happy to resume services for the army, and would not ask for promotions."

Purohit, however, is not going to Pune to attend the festival as his leave for 14 days has not been accepted. "There are certain formalities which are pending with the army, so I'll not be able to go to Pune," he said.