Malegaon blasts accused and BJP MP from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur. (Express photo/Prashant Nadkar)A day after a special Mumbai court expressed its displeasure over her absence, BJP MP from Bhopal and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday appeared for hearing in the 2008 case and recorded her statement under Section 313 of CrPc.
During the hearing, the special NIA judge asked the newly-elected MP if she was aware of the number of witnesses that have been examined so far. Thakur responded saying, “I don’t know”.
When asked about the blast, she replied on similar lines, saying, “Mujhe koi jaankari nahi hai (I have no knowledge about it).”
So far, 116 witnesses have deposed before the court. Two other witnesses are slated to be examined after lunch. The court also directed Thakur to remain in court till then after her lawyers asked if the BJP MP could leave as she had marked her presence.
The court also directed Thakur to remain in court after her lawyers asked if the BJP MP could leave as she had marked her presence. (Express photo/Prashant Nadkar)On Thursday, the newly-elected MP was granted an exemption from hearing after she claimed to be hospitalised due to a stomach ailment. The court, however, directed Thakur to be present today or face consequences as no supporting medical documents were submitted in this regard.
While Thakur sought an exemption from court appearance yesterday, she, however, attended an event in M P Nagar in Bhopal to garland the statue of Maharana Pratap on his birth anniversary.
On Wednesday evening, Thakur, accompanied by local BJP leaders, had visited the home of the Bhopal Shahar Kazi, Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi, on the occasion of Eid, offering him sweets and dry fruits. She was admitted to Care Hospital at night and discharged on Thursday morning.
In May this year, the court, which is conducting a trial against seven accused in the case, directed all of them to appear before it at least once a week. The accused persons are facing trial under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code.
They have been charged under UAPA Sections 16 (committing terror act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terror act).
It is to be noted that Thakur was controversially fielded as a BJP candidate from Bhopal, which triggered sharp reaction from Opposition parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah had defended her candidature.
