The acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, including Lt Col Prasad Purohit, has sparked varied reactions, with perhaps the most heartfelt coming from Lt Col Purohit's wife. After a legal battle of nearly 17 years, a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court acquitted all seven accused, observing that the prosecution failed to produce credible and admissible evidence establishing the accused's involvement in the crime.

Aparna Purohit, wife of Lt Col Prasad Purohit, expressed immense relief and asserted her husband's innocence, stating she was overwhelmed. Welcoming the verdict, she emphasized her unwavering belief in her husband's integrity. Lt Col Purohit received a warm welcome upon returning to his Pune home. Amidst the beats of dhol-tasha and chants of 'Jai Shree Ram' and 'Sanatan Dharma ki jai,' a jubilant atmosphere marked his arrival.

Lt Col Purohit was serving as an Army officer in military intelligence when the blasts occurred in Malegaon, Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. The incident resulted in six fatalities and approximately 100 injuries. Following his acquittal, the court stated there was no evidence indicating Purohit provided RDX or assembled the bomb used in the blast. The court also exonerated Abhinav Bharat, stating a lack of evidence suggested the group was involved in any "terror activity".

However, Special Judge A.K. Lahoti rejected Mr. Purohit's claim that his association with fringe organizations like Abhinav Bharat was part of his official duties as an intelligence officer. He noted that documentary evidence clearly established Mr. Purohit's role as a trustee of the Abhinav Bharat Trust. However, there was no material on record to suggest that his superiors had authorised him to join the trust or to collect and utilise its funds.

While Purohit maintained that he loved the Army for standing by him, the court noted that the Army had done nothing to save him when he was arrested by the anti-terrorism squad (ATS) of Maharashtra police. According to Judge Lahoti, after the arrest of Mr. Purohit, no steps were taken to protect their officer. The Judge reasoned that if he had really discharged the duty under the color of his office, there would have been protection for him.