Coordinated bombings in Gujarat and Maharashtra killed at least 10 people and prompted a major terrorism investigation under UAPA that was later dropped for lack of evidence.
Key Facts
- Date
- 29 September 2008
- Number of bombs
- 3
- Deaths
- At least 10 (9 in Malegaon, 1 in Modasa)
- Injuries
- Over 100
- Suspects initially charged
- 7, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur
- Outcome of prosecution
- All suspects acquitted due to lack of evidence
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The attacks occurred amid a period of communal tensions in India. Three improvised explosive devices were planted across two states, targeting populated areas in Malegaon, Maharashtra, and Modasa, Gujarat. The perpetrators and their precise motives were never conclusively established in court.
On 29 September 2008, three bombs detonated in two Indian states: two in Malegaon, Maharashtra, killing nine people, and one in Modasa, Gujarat, killing one person. More than 100 others were injured in the blasts. The National Investigation Agency led the subsequent criminal inquiry.
The NIA charged seven individuals, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. After prolonged investigation, all suspects were acquitted due to insufficient evidence, raising questions about investigative procedures and the use of anti-terror legislation in the case.