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| | #REDIRECT [[2008 Western India bombings]] |
| {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
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| {{Terrorist attacks in India (since 2001)}}
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| On 45 three sec{{huh|date=December 2021}} exploded in the states of [[western India|Gujarat and Maharashtra]] of [[India]] killing 10 people and injuring 80.<ref name=press>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/5-killed-80-injured-in-blasts-in-guj-maha-towns/367394/|title=10 killed, 80 injured in blasts in Gujarat, Mahashtra towns |date=29 September 2008|agency=Press Trust of India|work=The Indian Express|access-date=29 September 2008}}</ref> Two bombs went off in [[Malegaon]], Maharashtra, which killed nine people while another blast in [[Modasa]], Gujarat resulted in the death of one person.
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| ==Background==
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| India witnessed a surge in terror attacks since May 2008, when a [[13 May 2008 Jaipur bombings|series of blasts]] in [[Jaipur]] killed 63.<ref>{{cite news |last= Majumdar |first= Bappa |title= Unknown terror group claims responsibility |url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/unknown-terror-group-claims-responsibility/story-iuinbeKkvLE0QSQOPLG2gO.html |work= Hindustan Times |date= 15 May 2008}}</ref> Since then, other major Indian cities including [[Bangalore]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/nine-blasts-rock-bangalore-two-killed/69540-3.html |title=Nine blasts rock Bangalore | Chaos and {{sic|nolink=y|curiousity}} |date=25 July 2008 |publisher=IBN Live |access-date=3 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805034238/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/nine-blasts-rock-bangalore-two-killed/69540-3.html |archive-date=5 August 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Ahmedabad]]<ref name="Deaths">{{cite web| title =Gujarat police release three sketches| work =[[The Hindu]]| publisher =Kasturi & Sons Ltd| date =6 August 2008| url =http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15625&Itemid=88| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081004152410/http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15625&Itemid=88| url-status =usurped| archive-date =4 October 2008| access-date =6 August 2008 }}
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| </ref> and Delhi were targeted.
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| On 29 September 2008, police in Ahmedabad, Gujarat foiled another terror attack when 17 bombs were found and defused.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7642937.stm |title=Police 'find 17 bombs' in Gujarat |publisher=BBC NEWS |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081002144900/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7642937.stm| archive-date= 2 October 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> However, a bomb exploded at a market packed with [[Muslim]]s breaking their [[Ramadan]] [[fasting|fast]], killing one and wounding 15.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26946171 |title=Explosion kills 1, wounds 15 in western India |publisher=AP via NBC News |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008}}</ref> Another bomb placed near a Temple in [[Faridabad]] was found and defused.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-09-29/india/27925521_1_bomb-faridabad-banke-bihari-temple |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104120050/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-09-29/india/27925521_1_bomb-faridabad-banke-bihari-temple |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2012 |title=Bomb found in Faridabad, defused by civilian |date=28 September 2008 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=3 October 2008}}</ref> Furthermore, the bombs were purportedly similar to those that [[27 September 2008 Delhi blast|exploded in Delhi]] two days before this attack.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-09-30/india/27950271_1_cylinder-delhi-blasts-mysterious-blasts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021220128/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-09-30/india/27950271_1_cylinder-delhi-blasts-mysterious-blasts |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 October 2012 |title=Blasts in Maharashtra, Gujarat; 8 killed |date=30 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008 |first1=Mateen |last1=Hafeez |first2=Yogesh |work=[[The Times of India]] |last2=Naik}}</ref>
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| The explosions in Malegaon and Modasa took place on the eve of [[Navratri]], a major [[Hindu]] festival celebrated across India.<ref name="hindustantimes1">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=58462ebb-1d3d-42c5-962f-a93c44f86424&&Headline=Three+blown+dead%3a+This+terror+run+isn%E2%80%99t+over+yet |title=3 blown dead: This terror run isn't over yet |work=Hindustan Times|date=29 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003001737/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=58462ebb-1d3d-42c5-962f-a93c44f86424&&Headline=Three+blown+dead%3a+This+terror+run+isn%E2%80%99t+over+yet |archive-date=3 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
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| ==Blast==
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| The Malegoan blast occurred near a hotel at Bhikku Chowk in Maharashtra. The bombs were allegedly fitted onto a [[Hero Honda]] motorcycle and rigged to detonate.<ref name="hindustantimes2">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=e36f87dc-df91-4445-8fe3-79cfbaa4fc69&&Headline=Situation+remains+tense%3b+curfew+relaxed |title=Malegaon blast: Situation remains tense; curfew relaxed |work=Hindustan Times|date=30 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081004142124/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=e36f87dc-df91-4445-8fe3-79cfbaa4fc69&&Headline=Situation+remains+tense%3B+curfew+relaxed| archive-date= 4 October 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref> <!-- what about the Gujarat blast info? --><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/blasts-in-maharashtra-gujarat-towns-4-dead/74634-3.html |title=Four dead in Guj, Maharashtra blasts |publisher=ibnlive.com |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002114844/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/blasts-in-maharashtra-gujarat-towns-4-dead/74634-3.html |archive-date=2 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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| There had been confusion earlier about what had caused the blast with some suggesting that it was caused by an accidental explosion of a gas cylinder.
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| The [[Modasa]] blasts, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old boy, as well as several others injured, was a result of a bomb kept on a motorcycle that went off near a mosque at the Muslim-dominated Sukka Bazaar. The incident took place around 21:26 when special Ramzan prayers ([[tarawih]]) were being offered inside the mosque.<ref name="indianexpress"/>
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| ===Aftermath===
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| IBN reported that after the blast a mob of 20,000 gathered near the blast site, following which the state of Maharashtra deployed Reserve Police Force to prevent any mob violence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/malegaon-mob-violence-postblast-patil-appeals-for-peace/74640-3.html |title=Malegaon: Mob violence post-blast, Patil appeals for peace |publisher=ibnlive.com |date=30 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081002112334/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/malegaon-mob-violence-postblast-patil-appeals-for-peace/74640-3.html| archive-date= 2 October 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref> The police brought the situation under control after a brief clash with the mob.<ref name="hindustantimes2"/>
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| Amidst rising security concerns, Gujarat plans to deploy police in heavy numbers during the ''[[Garba (dance)|garba]]'' festivities.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/security-concerns-wheel-in-drivein-garba-in-gujarat/74641-3.html |title=Security concerns wheel in drive-in Garba in Gujarat |publisher=ibnlive.com |date=30 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081004200312/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/security-concerns-wheel-in-drivein-garba-in-gujarat/74641-3.html| archive-date= 4 October 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref>
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| ==Investigation==
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| [[Mumbai Police]] deployed [[Anti Terrorist Squad (India)|Anti Terrorism Squad]] to assist the local investigating authorities in Malegaon.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/ats-team-to-investigate-blast-at-malegaon/story-KmIHYL9xOhyDhpqXxJe5lM.html |title=ATS team to investigate blast at Malegaon |work=Hindustan Times|date=2008-09-30 |access-date=3 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081004142119/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=e2b9f3a1-b55b-460a-8b60-e600256ece3d&ParentID=e36f87dc-df91-4445-8fe3-79cfbaa4fc69&&Headline=ATS+team+to+investigate+blast+at+Malegaon| archive-date= 4 October 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> Police say that unsophisticated, crude bombs, identical to those that detonated in Delhi 3 days before, were used.<ref name="hindustantimes1"/> The investigation was led by Mumbai Anti Terrorism Squad chief [[Hemant Karkare]], who was later martyred in the [[2008 Mumbai Attacks]].
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| Police across India, especially in Delhi, received a number of [[hoax]] calls and SMSes, hampering the investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/hoax-terror-calls-smses-give-cops-sleepless-nights/74642-3.html |title=Hoax terror calls, SMSes give cops sleepless nights |publisher=ibnlive.com |date=30 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081004200253/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/hoax-terror-calls-smses-give-cops-sleepless-nights/74642-3.html| archive-date= 4 October 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref>
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| On 5 October police said they had arrested a man in connection to the bombings. [[Press Trust of India]] reported that further investigations were under way, with more arrests expected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200810/s2382370.htm|title=Man arrested over India blast |publisher=Radioaustralia.net.au |date=5 October 2008 |access-date=6 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081005234708/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200810/s2382370.htm| archive-date= 5 October 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref>
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| === Malegaon blasts ===
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| During investigation in Maharashtra, alleged evidence was made ascertaining the involvement of a Hindu group or groups in the blasts {{Citation needed|date=November 2017}}. The three arrested were identified as [[Pragya Singh Thakur|Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=&id=02fc80de-53d4-4bc7-ac8c-8801ef9632a6&&Headline=Arrests+of+%27Hindu+terrorists%27+embarasses+BJP |title=Arrests of 'Hindu terrorists' embarasses BJP |work=Hindustan Times|date=28 October 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-25/india/27909361_1_maharashtra-s-anti-terrorism-squad-ats-abvp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104120056/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-25/india/27909361_1_maharashtra-s-anti-terrorism-squad-ats-abvp |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2012 |title=Sadhvi in jail for Malegaon blast |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=25 October 2008 |first1=Mateen |last1=Hafeez |first2=Santosh |work=[[The Times of India]] |last2=Sonawane}}</ref> Shiv Narayan Gopal Singh Kalsanghra and Shyam Bhawarlal Sahu. All three were produced before the Nashik Chief Judicial Magistrate's court, which had remanded them to police custody till 3 November.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102561761400.htm |title=Malegaon blast; three remanded to custody |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=25 October 2008 |location=Chennai, India| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081026033900/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102561761400.htm| archive-date= 26 October 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]] | url-status= dead}}</ref> This follows from an earlier claim by the Maharashtra ATS that Hindu groups were behind the blasts. The ATS added that this group could also be behind the blast in Modasa, Gujarat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080069903 |title=Sadhvi linked to Malegaon blasts |publisher=NDTV.com |date=24 October 2008 |access-date=25 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027143347/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080069903 |archive-date=27 October 2008}}</ref>
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| Adding to this suspicion, the name of the [[Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad]] (ABVP) came up during investigations after a bike was found near the blasts' site in Malegaon, though there was no mention of the organization's involvement in the issue. However, the bike belonged to Pragya Singh Thakur, who had been an ABVP activist in 1997.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081025/jsp/nation/story_10017900.jsp |title=Terror net scoops up fiery sadhvi|date=24 October 2008 | location=Calcutta, India|work=The Telegraph}}</ref> before she took to a spiritual quest. Sunil Bansal, regional organising secretary of the ABVP, said: "First ATS mentioned the possibility of Vidyarthi Parishad and VHP being involved in the blasts and then the matter was also raised in Rajya Sabha by a Congress MP. But ABVP is in no way involved in the blasts. ABVP has even demanded that there should be a proper inquiry and ATS should come out with evidence and not talk without any basis. They don't have any proof against any ABVP activist."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-23/delhi/27900268_1_abvp-leaders-malegaon-blasts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104120101/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-23/delhi/27900268_1_abvp-leaders-malegaon-blasts |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2012 |title=Link to Malegaon blast conspiracy to defame us: ABVP |date=23 October 2008 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=25 October 2008}}</ref> After the arrest of three Hindus, a Hindu group, [[Sri Ram Sena]] (SRS), offered legal assistance to the accused {{Citation needed|date=November 2017}}. The SRS said the three accused were being made "political victims" by the Congress to hide its own inadequacies {{Citation needed|date=November 2017}}. General secretary Binay Singh said: "The Maharashtra government is raking up the Malegaon blast issue to divert attention from the hooliganism of Raj Thackeray while in the Centre the government is looking for an issue to cover up the [[Batla House encounter case|Batla House encounter]] incident."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200810252080.htm |title=Malegaon blast accused offered legal aid |publisher=The Hindi |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=27 October 2008 |location=Chennai, India| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081027002226/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200810252080.htm| archive-date= 27 October 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref>
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| On 25 October, two more persons, suspected ex-army personnel, were also questioned in Pune in connection with the Malegaon blast Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Malegaon-blast--Police-question-two-ex-armymen-in-Pune/377946/ |title=Malegaon blast: Police question two ex-armymen |publisher=Express India |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=27 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029042227/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Malegaon-blast--Police-question-two-ex-armymen-in-Pune/377946/ |archive-date=29 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
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| Two days later, the total arrest count mounted to seven when the ATS took in Sameer Kulkarni from Bhopal and Sangram Singh from Indore for questioning. According to the ATS, these arrests brought to light the workings of two groups, Rashtriya Jagran Manch and [[Abhinav Bharat]], the latter of which the latest arrests are said to be office bearers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=Cricket&id=557ca680-e02f-4901-b91a-857583718214&&Headline=Malegaon+blast%3a+Focus+on+new+outfits |title=Malegaon blast: Focus on new outfits |work=Hindustan Times|date=27 October 2008 |access-date=27 October 2008}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
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| The director-general of Madhya Pradesh police had confirmed that Kulkarni was picked up by Maharashtra ATS for questioning from Indore. A Maharashtra police office said that the "Investigations have revealed that Kulkarni is the planner of the Malegaon blast." Having moved to Indore four years ago, he was said to be in touch with a colonel and a major—both retired. The officer added "He had sought their help on the use of explosives and its procurement. The two retired army men would be arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy." Accordingly, he was said to have hatched the blast in conspiracy with the ''sadhvi'' and two others, who were arrested in connection with the blast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1201687 |title=Man picked up in Indore plotted Malegaon blast |publisher=DNA India |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008}}</ref> The Additional Commissioner (ATS), Sukhwinder Singh, said Sameer Kulkarni and Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay were part of an alleged "larger conspiracy", without elaborating what the conspiracy, or the basis for it, was.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/30/stories/2008103061131200.htm |title=ATS: Malegaon blast suspects part of larger conspiracy |date=30 October 2008 |access-date=30 October 2008 |location=Chennai, India| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081101113009/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/30/stories/2008103061131200.htm| archive-date= 1 November 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]] | url-status= dead}}</ref> A serving lieutenant colonel in the army also came under the scanner for his alleged role in the blasts. It was reported that the army had allowed police to go ahead and question him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Army-allows-cops-to-quiz-its-officer-in-Malegaon-blast/379372/ |title=Army allows cops to quiz its officer in Malegaon blast |publisher=Express India |date=30 October 2008 |access-date=31 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081102062329/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Army-allows-cops-to-quiz-its-officer-in-Malegaon-blast/379372/ |archive-date=2 November 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 31 October, more revelations were made as ATS sources said the interrogation of Kulkarni revealed a Bangladeshi link to the terror strike. Kulkarni was believed to have said at least 15 to 20 Bangladeshi nationals were part of ''Abhinav Bharat'' {{Citation needed|date=November 2017}}. He has also revealed that the Bangladeshi members were also present in a number of meetings held to hatch the plot, which was planned as retaliation for the Ahmedabad blasts in July 2008. Kulkarni was believed to have started a new social organisation called Abhinav Bharat Sansthan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=19795 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119182808/http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=19795 |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 November 2016 |title=New B'desh twist to Malegaon blast probe? |publisher=TIMESNOW.tv |date=31 October 2008 |access-date=31 October 2008}}</ref>
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| On 28 October, the [[Shiv Sena]], in ''[[Saamna]]'', came out in support of the accused, saying the arrests were merely political in nature. Lending credence to this, party chief [[Uddhav Thackeray]] pointed out a potential conflict interest in political rivalry as the [[Nationalist Congress Party]] (NCP) controlled the relevant ministry. His editorial also condemned an attack by NCP party workers on a [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP) office in Nashik following the arrest of the ''sadhvi''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sadhvi_Pragya_victim_of_race_within_cops_Shiv_Sena/rssarticleshow/3649064.cms |title=Real masterminds still at large, sadhvi Pragya a victim: Sena |work=The Times of India|date=28 October 2008 |access-date=29 October 2008}}</ref> Allegations arose that the ''sadhvi'' was framed for the blast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=146081 |title=Is the police framing Pragya for Malegaon blast? |publisher=Merinews |access-date=30 October 2008}}</ref> The firebrand leader of the Bhartiya Janshakti Party, Uma Bharti, had expressed shock that the BJP and the broader [[Hindutva|sangh parivar]] grouping were "disowning" the ''sadhvi'', who is alleged to be linked with the Hindu Jagaran Manch.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Malegaon-blast--Uma-says-BJP-disowning-Sadvi-after-arrest/378174/ |title=Malegaon blast: Uma says BJP disowning Sadvi after arrest |publisher=Express India |date=26 October 2008 |access-date=30 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114034326/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Malegaon-blast--Uma-says-BJP-disowning-Sadvi-after-arrest/378174/ |archive-date=14 January 2009}}</ref> As the politicised wrangling developed, the [[Hindu Mahasabha]] decided to provide legal aid to the suspects from Pune – Upadhyay and Kulkarni – while the umbrella organisation, Abhinav Bharat, of which the two are members. The national president of the Mahasabha, Himani Savarkar, also based in Pune, confirmed this. This comes following a refusal but the two to hire lawyers when produced before the Nashik court.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/hindu-mahasabha-comes-to-blast-suspects-resc.../380044/ |title=Hindu Mahasabha comes to blast suspects' rescue |work=The Indian Express|date=1 November 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref> The broader organisation of [[Hindutva]] groups were seen to come together when the BJP supported the [[Shiv Sena]]'s move of extending legal aid to the suspects. The BJP said there was nothing wrong in using "private funds" for "helping" someone. Party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said: "We have no objection to Shiv Sena's announcement of extending legal aid to Malegaon blast suspects. For that matter, even RSS has promised help. It is not wrong for private funds to be utilised for helping someone. It is everyone's right." He added that the party's stand is the same from day one, no one should be discriminated on the basis of religion, caste or sex.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/bjp-endorses-shiv-senas-support-to-sadhvi-32658-2008-11-01 |title= BJP endorses Shiv Sena's support to Sadhvi |agency= Press Trust of India |work=India Today |date= 1 November 2008}}</ref> The politicking behind the investigation picked up as the probe spread to Uttar Pradesh. The ATS claimed a "high profile leader" from the area may be involved in financing the attack. To this end, BJP MP from Gorakhpur, [[Yogi Adityanath]], dared the Mumbai ATS to accuse him of being the said leader. The ATS then filed an application in a Mumbai court seeking permission to interrogate the hitherto unnamed person, as well as to obtain the co-operation of the UP government in doing so. The UP ATS, however, denied that its Mumbai counterpart had asked for any assistance in netting the alleged accused. UP CM Mayawati convened a high-level meeting of her government to discuss the matter. As yet there was mere speculation that the leader may be Adityanath, or his close associate and BJP MLA from the same town, Radha Mohan Das Agrawal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=230661 |title = The Statesman |access-date=13 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114111209/http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=230661 |archive-date=14 January 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> BJP leader [[Venkaiah Naidu]] then said the Maharashtra ATS should speak publicly about the blasts case only when the investigations were complete. He also accused the Congress, as the blame game continued, in saying that it was Congress that gave rise to [[Bhindranwale]] in Punjab and supported [[ULFA]] in Assam.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200811181821.htm | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Naidu asks ATS to speak about Malegaon blasts after probe ends | date=18 November 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108174014/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200811181821.htm | archive-date=8 November 2012}}</ref> On the same day, the BJP parliamentary leader, [[L. K. Advani]], also accused the ATS of acting in a politically motivated and unprofessional manner as he alleged that "It has become clear that the ATS is acting in a {{Sic|hide=y|politically|-}}motivated and unprofessional manner. After going through her (Thakur) affidavit.I have to express my shock and outrage, which I am sure all Indians will share. In view of the shocking charges made against the ATS by the ''Sadhvi'' (''sic'') and the fact that the present investigating team has lost all moral authority, I demand a change in the present ATS team and a judicial inquiry be ordered to probe the charges made by Sadhvi Pragya and the manner in which unsubstantiated allegations have been made against army personnel. After going through her affidavit detailing how she was physically and psychologically tortured and abused in obscene languages by her interrogators, I have to express my shock and outrage. I cannot believe that such barbaric treatment has been meted out to a spiritual person, that too, a woman in a country that prides itself on its democracy and rule of law."<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=bfa86ef0-5a25-4e41-a390-17f01ffecf4f&&Headline=ATS+acting+in+an+unprofessional+manner%3a+Advani Advani speaks up for sadhvi, seeks probe – Hindustan Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> A Shiv Sena activist then filed a [[Public Interest Litigation|PIL]] in the [[Bombay High Court]], to see the investigation handed over to the Maharashtra [[Criminal Investigation Department|CID]], and to see action taken against Anti-Terrorism Squad for "ill-treating" ''sadhvi'' Thakur and botching the handling of the case.<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Sena-activist-files-PIL-against-ATS/388301/ Sena activist files PIL against ATS – Express India<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114034924/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Sena-activist-files-PIL-against-ATS/388301/ |date=14 January 2009 }}</ref> In response to the whole imbroglio, the Indian Agriculture Minister and [[Nationalist Congress Party|NCP]] supremo Sharad Pawar described the BJP as "unpatriotic" when he said that "The police have started investigating...If any political party takes objection, it is unfair and unpatriotic. Why should we interfere in the process of investigations?"<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200811201111.htm | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=BJP's objection to Malegaon probe unpatriotic: Pawar | date=20 November 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108174029/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200811201111.htm | archive-date=8 November 2012}}</ref>
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| The Maharashtra ATS also visited [[Vadodara]], Gujarat, as part of their investigations into the attack. Officials of the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Vadodara police, also a part of the investigation, said the visiting team had specific information about possible links between the Malegaon blast and city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Malegaon-blast--Mumbai-ATS-team-looks-for-Vadodara-link/380032 |title=Malegaon blast: Mumbai ATS team looks for Vadodara link |work=The Indian Express|date=1 November 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref>
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| On 4 November, the case heated up with the arrest of serving [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Prasad Shrikant Purohit]], who was sent to police custody till 15 November. A court also sanctioned a [[narco analysis]] test. In response, the Army's deputy chief, Lt. Gen SPS Dhillon, said that no one will be spared if found guilty, and that action will be taken according to the charge sheet given to them by the ATS. He added that "The arrest of Purohit has dented the image of Army."
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| He is alleged to have come into contact with Abhinav Bharat or Major Upadhyaya, another army man, during his postings within Nashik and Pune sometime in 2004–2005. He was found in Panchmarhi, learning Arabic, while call records between him and Upadhyaya around the time of the Malegaon blasts and beyond were said to be incriminating.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080071564&ch=11/6/2008%203:00:00%20PM |title=Colonel's arrest has upset Army: Dy chief |publisher=NDTV.com |date=6 November 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref> It later emerged that he, along with the ''sadhvi'', may be connected to the Samjhauta Express bombings.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Purohits_links_to_Samjhauta_blasts/articleshow/3710158.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Politics/Nation | date=13 November 2008}}</ref> [[Minister of Defence (India)|Indian Defence Minister]] [[A K Antony]] expressed serious concern over the alleged involvement of a serving Army officer in the attack, saying all necessary action would be taken against him by the Defence Ministry on the basis of the investigative report. He said: "This incident is a matter of serious concern for all of us. We are very determined to go to the root of the whole thing. We are awaiting the (Maharashtra police) report (in the case).We will take all necessary action on the basis of the report. On the part of the Army, without any hesitation, they are fully assisting and cooperating with the investigating agencies. We are waiting for a report from the Maharashtra police and I can tell you, we are taking it seriously."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/antony-assures-of-action-against-army-officer/story-kJjziZbKFmYG7luYVwcHNK.html |title=Malegaon blast: Antony assures of action against Army officer |agency=Press Trust of India |work=Hindustan Times |date=7 November 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref> As the Army came under fire for allowing the civilian police service to investigate a serving officer,<ref>NDTV. 13 November 2008.</ref> the army came out in strong defence of its record. Facing the possibility of reports of at least three more Army men under scrutiny, the Maharashtra government denied such allegation in going under a damage control exercise. Deputy chief minister [[RR Patil]] responded to the media allegations in saying, "Please don't malign the Army. Nor is there an intention to defame the Army." He added that it was improper to tarnish the reputation of "our Forces" because a ''single'' "bad" officer had been detected. It was claimed that the ATS jumped to a conclusion in "utter haste without ascertaining the intelligence they have collected about the tainted Army officer who belonged to [the] Intelligence Wing." The ATS counter-contended that they had sought permission from the Army Headquarters to question at least three more officers. The Defense Minister added that "We are waiting for a report, the Army will extend full cooperation. The Intelligence Bureau is investigating it." Among those who could be questioned, based on the interrogation of the retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, was a Colonel based in Deolali and a Major.<ref>http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080071679&ch=11/7/2008%2012:07:00%20PM</ref> To add to the confusion reports also said Purohit had been put under a "Discipline Vigilance" ban where he would not be sacked unless a court of law finds him guilty.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=230662 |title = The Statesman |access-date=13 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114110538/http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=230662 |archive-date=14 January 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Purohit's remand in police custody by a magisterial court was in connection with alleged forgery in procuring a gun from the military, not with the as yet investigate terror case. His defence opposed the prosecutions' plea for a seven-day remand for further investigations, instead saying the ATS was trying to implicate him in a false case by threatening Milind Date (the alleged supplier of the gun). His [[counsel]] further alleged that Purohit, with a distinguished service record in the army, was being victimised for political reasons and that he could even be eliminated by the ATS because of the possession of [[military intelligence|intelligence data]] of a sensitive nature pertaining to SIMI and ISI operations, which could embarrass some quarters.<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Malegaon-probe-Purohit-could-even-be-eliminated-by-ATS/387838/ Malegaon probe: ‘Purohit could even be eliminated by ATS’ – Express India<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114034905/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Malegaon-probe-Purohit-could-even-be-eliminated-by-ATS/387838/ |date=14 January 2009 }}</ref>
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| Another major and controversial breakthrough came on 14 November when the ATS arrested the Varanasi-native Dayanand Pandey, alias Sudhakar Dwivedi, who heads the ''Sharda Sarvagya Peeth''.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200811131583.htm | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Malegaon blasts: ATS in Jammu for investigations | date=13 November 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108174035/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200811131583.htm | archive-date=8 November 2012}}</ref> He was arrested in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, even though his exact role in the blast was not clear. The ATS then planned to go to Jammu to continue investigations of a possible wider net. It was reported that he had visited Jammu as a state guest and got into the high-security Zeesthadevi Temple near ''Raj Bhavan''. He was apparently said to be in touch with Purohit, who led police to Pandey. Late [[Hemant Karkare]], then chief of ATS investigating the blasts, had said: "We had got some photos, numbers and took help of UP police. He has not yet been arrested but will be if required after interrogation."<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080072396&ch=11/13/2008%206:58:00%20PM NDTV.com: ATS gets transit remand of Dayanand Pandey<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In addition, another unnamed ''sadhvi'' was arrested by the Mumbai ATS from [[Surat]] on 17 October in connection to the attack.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}
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| In January 2009, Indian police were questioning Hindu Rashtra Sene chief [[Pramod Muthalik]] over his possible role in the attacks. He has reportedly been videotaped saying "The Malegaon blast is just a glimpse of what we can do" and implying the bombings were intended to counter "oppression" against Hindus.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-30/india/27998102_1_malegaon-blast-rakesh-dhawde-lt-col-prasad-purohit | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104120106/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-30/india/27998102_1_malegaon-blast-rakesh-dhawde-lt-col-prasad-purohit | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 November 2012 | first1=Mateen | last1=Hafeez | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=ATS looks at Muthalik-Malegaon link | date=30 January 2009}}</ref>
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| NIA, National Investigative Agency, has found no evidence against Pragya Singh Thakur in the Sunil Joshi Murder case and it is recommending the court to drop all charges against her.<ref>name=Indian Express>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sunil-joshi-murder-nia-set-to-drop-case-against-sadhvi-pragya-others-arrested-by-mp-police/1212272/ |title=NIA set to drop case against Sadhvi Pragya, others arrested by MP Police |date=27 December 2013 }}</ref>
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| Bombay High Court granted bail to Pragya Thakur on 22 April 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/835892/why-blame-judiciary-for-granting-pragya-thakur-bail-when-investigative-agencies-show-no-spine|title=Why blame judiciary for granting Pragya Thakur bail when investigative agencies show no spine?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catchnews.com/politics-news/sadhvi-pragya-singh-may-not-like-saffron-terror-but-that-doesn-t-mean-it-was-a-bogey-59246.html|title=Sadhvi Pragya Singh may not like saffron terror, but that doesn't mean it was a 'bogey'}}</ref>
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| On December 29, 2021, a witness in the Malegaon 2008 blast case claimed that he was illegally detained for seven days by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in 2008 and was pressured to name five RSS members including current Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-29|title=Illegally detained by ATS, pressured to name five RSS members: Witness in Malegaon blast case|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/illegally-detained-by-ats-pressured-to-name-five-rss-members-witness-in-malegaon-blast-case-7695314/|access-date=2021-12-29|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 29, 2021|title=Malegaon blast: Witness claims ATS forced him to take Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s name|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbaiats-forced-me-to-take-names-of-yogi-rss-netas/articleshow/88554624.cms|access-date=2021-12-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
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| === Modasa blasts ===
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| Union Textiles Minister, [[Shankersinh Vaghela]], came out with an allegedly scathing attack on the Gujarat government by saying it was not willing to nab the "real" culprits behind the blast even though the Congress MP from [[Sabarkantha]], [[Madhusudan Mistry]], had pointed a finger at probable suspects.
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| He made the claim that the Gujarat Police had proved itself "useless" while it was heavily politicised in acting only on the orders issued by the Chief Minister's Office. He based this on the lack of arrests in Modesa, Gujarat, while Maharashtra police had already made arrests in the Malegaon case. With the connection to Hindu suspects in Malegaon, he said he too suspected a similar hand in these blasts. He further alleged, "This proves that terror knows no religion and that it was a matter of concern that so far it was only one-sided trend of targeting one community for suspicion and questioning."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/modasa-blast-vaghela-accuses-modi-govt-of-lacking-will-calls-police-useless/378435/ |title=Modasa blast: Vaghela accuses Modi govt of lacking will, calls police useless |publisher=Express India |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=27 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114034949/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/modasa-blast-vaghela-accuses-modi-govt-of-lacking-will-calls-police-useless/378435/ |archive-date=14 January 2009}}</ref>
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| In Gujarat, the Deputy Superintendent of Police, K.K. Mysorewala, who is heading the probe into the attack, said: "We have summoned some active ABVP members to record their statements to take our probe forward." He, however, refused to name those who have been summoned and the reason behind doing so. The Sabarkantha police have recorded statements from about 500-odd people until 28 October 2008.<ref name="indianexpress">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Modasa-blast--ABVP-members-to-be-quizzed/378587 |title=Modasa blast: ABVP members to be quizzed |work=The Indian Express|date=28 October 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008}}</ref> Mysorewala, pointed out that of the 500 people summoned for their statements 200 were associated with [[Hindutva]] organisations like the RSS, ABVP, VHP and Bajrang Dal in Modasa. However, there has still been no lead.
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| On 31 October, he exonerated the Malegoan accused from involvement in the Gujarat blasts. He said, "We have interrogated all the five who are currently in the custody of Mumbai police in connection with the Malegaon blast. None of them, however, are involved in the Modasa blast."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Modasa-blast--Police-give-clean-chit-to-Sadhvi--others/380031 |title=Modasa blast: Police give clean chit to Sadhvi, others |work=The Indian Express|date=31 October 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref>
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| On 7 November, it was reported that clues may be emerging. The origin of a readymade Printed Circuit Board (PCB) used in the timer circuit of the bomb may yield greater clues and lead to arrests. Unlike assembled PCBs, the manufacture of a readymade PCB can be tracked with the help of its specific manufacturing design and serial number. Experts in the Physics Department of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences (DFS) in the Gujarat capital of Gandhinagar say the readymade PCB consists of two Philips Integrated Circuits (ICs), and some capacitors and resistors mounted on a circuit board in a particular order.
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| An expert involved with the case said that as a result of such moves "We have short-listed the names of some companies that manufacture PCBs of these types. The list had also been handed over to the Sabarkantha police and they are trying to track the final recipient of the PCB under examination. Though this can be a difficult task, it is not impossible."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/readymade-printed-circuit-board-may-provide-clue-in-modasa-blast/382458/ |title=Readymade Printed Circuit Board may provide clue in Modasa blast |publisher=Express India |date=6 November 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224022547/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/readymade-printed-circuit-board-may-provide-clue-in-modasa-blast/382458/ |archive-date=24 December 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
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| ==See also==
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| * [[List of terrorist incidents, 2008]]
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| * [[Saffron terror]]
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| ==References==
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| {{Reflist|30em}}
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| ==External links==
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| *[http://www.twocircles.net/2010feb14/batla_delhi_blasts_accused_urge_sc_club_cases_order_trials_delhi.html Batla, Delhi blasts accused urge SC to club cases, order trials in Delhi] – TCN News
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| *[https://web.archive.org/web/20081031074150/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/gentemplate_generic.aspx?template=saffronterror Special: New face of terror]
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| *[http://www.ibnlive.com/photogallery/984-1.html#view_start Picture gallery of blast sites]
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| {{War on Terrorism}}
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| {{coord missing|Gujarat|Maharashtra}}
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| {{DEFAULTSORT:Western India Bombings}}
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| {{#seo:
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| |keywords=21st-century mass murder in India, History of Gujarat (1947–present), 2008 in India, Mass murder in 2008, Improvised explosive device bombings in India, History of Maharashtra (1947–present), Manmohan Singh administration, Hinduism-motivated violence in India, September 2008 crimes
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| |description=
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| }} | | }} |
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| [[Category:21st-century mass murder in India]]
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| [[Category:Terrorist incidents in India in 2008|Western India bombings]]
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| [[Category:History of Gujarat (1947–present)]]
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| [[Category:2008 in India]]
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| [[Category:Mass murder in 2008]]
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| [[Category:Improvised explosive device bombings in India]]
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| [[Category:History of Maharashtra (1947–present)]]
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| [[Category:Manmohan Singh administration]]
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| [[Category:Hinduism-motivated violence in India]]
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| [[Category:September 2008 crimes]]
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