Skip to main content

Lt. Col. Shrikant Purohit: Profile, Wiki, Family, Wife and Controversy



🧭 Introduction: Who Is Lt. Col. Prasad Shrikant Purohit?

Lt. Col. Prasad Shrikant Purohit is a decorated officer of the Indian Army’s Maratha Light Infantry and Military Intelligence. Born in Pune into a middle‑class Maharashtrian Brahmin family, he graduated from Abhinav Vidyalaya and Garware College. He was commissioned in 1994 from the Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (NDTV).

Military Career & Intelligence Service

  • Early Years (1994–2002): Posted in Jammu & Kashmir, Purohit later joined MI‑25—the Intelligence Field Security Unit—tasked with monitoring threats along the India–Pakistan border (NDTV).

  • Counter‑Terrorism Operations (2002–2005): Played key roles in several intelligence missions in J&K, working closely with elite MI units (NDTV).

  • Pune & Madhya Pradesh Postings: Later served at a liaison unit in Deolali near Nashik, and learned Arabic in Panchmarhi at an Army Education Corps training centre (NDTV).

The Malegaon Bomb Blast Case (September 2008)

Tragic Incident

On 29 September 2008, a bomb concealed within an LML Freedom motorcycle exploded near Shakil Goods Transport Company in Malegaon, claiming seven lives and injuring around 100 people (Hindustan Times).

Arrest & Charges

Investigations by Maharashtra’s ATS arrested Purohit, retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, and Sadhvi Pragya Thakur—alleging they funded, procured RDX, organized meetings via Abhinav Bharat, and conspired in the attack (NDTV).

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) later took over the case in 2011.

The Defense: Undercover or Conspirator?

Purohit staunchly denied all charges:

  • Undercover Intelligence Operator: He claimed infiltration of Abhinav Bharat was sanctioned, with full briefings to Army superiors (Hindustan Times, NDTV, Wikipedia).

  • Torture & Fabrication: In May 2024, he claimed ATS officers tortured him—breaking his right knee and coercing him to implicate senior RSS, VHP figures, and then-MP Yogi Adityanath (India Today). He also alleged witnesses were tortured and statements fabricated (Hindustan Times).

Court Proceedings & Bail

  • Dilutions in Evidence: Delhi witnesses began retracting earlier accusations, weakening the prosecution’s case .

  • Supreme Court Bail (2017): After nearly nine years in jail, he secured bail. The Court noted “material contradictions” between ATS and NIA chargesheets (Times of India).

  • Ongoing Legal Battle: In early 2023, both Bombay HC and the Supreme Court rejected his pleas for discharge, keeping the matter before the NIA special court .

Recent Developments & Controversies

  • May 2024 Torture Allegations: Purohit’s testimony claiming physical torture to extract false confessions made headlines in multiple outlets (OpIndia).

  • NIA Court Rebuttal: In court, Purohit publicly denied knowing Swami Aseemanand in the 2007 Mecca Masjid bomb case, diverging from earlier statements (Wikipedia).

  • Jurisprudence & Rights: His defense focuses on human rights violations, claim of fabricated evidence, and procedural issues—sparking debates on intelligence‑agency accountability.

Personality & Personal Profile

  • Family & Upbringing: Son of a bank official, from a middle‑class Maharashtrian family with strong values (NDTV).

  • Character: Described by peers as soft‑spoken, zealous, and fiercely patriotic .

  • Service Ethos: A 2012 Court of Inquiry featured testimony from 59 army officers supporting his undercover account and emphasizing his professional integrity (NDTV).

SEO-focused Subheadings & Engagement Hooks

  • “Lt. Col. Purohit Torture Allegations 2024”

  • “Malegaon Blast Case Timeline”

  • “Abhinav Bharat Inside Story”

  • “Army Officer Accused of Terrorism”

  • “Undercover vs. Conspirator Debate”

These keywords help boost search visibility while supporting readability and structure.

🔍 Top Interesting Facts About Prasad Shrikant Purohit

  1. First Armyman Booked for Terrorism: His name marked a historic low for the Army in 2011 (NDTV).

  2. Nine Years in Custody: Spent nearly a decade in Taloja prison before bail released him in August 2017 (NDTV).

  3. Court of Inquiry Exoneration: 59 army witnesses backed his undercover operations .

  4. Political Pressure Allegation: Claimed Sharad Pawar’s “Hindu terror” remark predated the blast and set the narrative agenda (India Today).

  5. Torture Testimony: Reports allege he was beaten, knee broken, and coerced to implicate prominent right-wing figures (India Today).

🧠 FAQs About Lt. Col. Shrikant Purohit

Q1. Is Lt. Col. Purohit still serving in the Army?
No. Following his bail in 2017, he reported to Southern Command on suspension. His service status remains under military and legal review .

Q2. What is Abhinav Bharat, and what is his connection?
Abhinav Bharat, founded in 2006 by Ramesh Upadhyay and Purohit, aimed at forging Hindu Rashtra; ATS alleges it planned violence. Purohit claims he infiltrated it on military orders (Wikipedia).

Q3. Was he tortured during interrogation?
Yes. Purohit alleged ATS officers tortured him, broke his knee, and forced false confessions in May 2024 submissions (India Today).

Q4. What does the current trial status look like?
As of early 2025, his attempt to be discharged was rejected by HC and SC in 2023. The trial proceeds under NIA in a special court .

Q5. Could he return to active duty?
Return is unlikely until legal clearance. Meanwhile, Army remains cautious; no reinstatement until case resolution.

✅ Final Take

Lt. Col. Prasad Shrikant Purohit’s story is a bold indictment of modern India’s tangled relationship between national security, legal processes, and ideological politics. His high‑profile case has triggered debates over:

  • The blurring lines between covert intelligence duties and extremist ideologies

  • The ethics and legality of ATS interrogation methods

  • The state’s use of anti‑terror laws like UAPA and MCOCA

  • The Army’s duty to its personnel versus national security optics

Until judicial verdicts end this ambiguity, Purohit remains a polarizing figure—viewed by some as a falsely accused patriot, by others as part of a Hindu terrorist network.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sonali Mishra, IPS: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

🧭 Introduction Sonali Mishra is a distinguished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, known for her pioneering roles in paramilitary and police organizations. Belonging to the 1993 batch and originally from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, she has held significant positions in the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Uttar Pradesh Police. Her rise through the ranks brings fresh inspiration to women in uniform. Early Life & Education Date of Birth : 3 April 1995, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh ( IPSDetails.com ) Family : Daughter of Sharad Chandra Mishra, raised in an academically inclined household ( IPSDetails.com ) Education : Bachelor of Technology (Civil Engineering) ( IPSDetails.com ) Civil Services Entry : Joined the IPS on 19 September 2022 with an All India Rank of 140 in UPSC CSE 2022. At age 27, she entered the IPS after scoring 989 marks (818 in Mains, 171 in Interview) ( IPSDetails.com ). Initial Postings & UP Cadre Cadr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ajit Hanamakkanavar: Profile, Wiki, Family, Caste and Wife

Ajit Hanamakkanavar is a prominent Indian journalist and news anchor, known for his outspoken style in the Kannada-language media. He currently holds a leadership position as Head of News and Programmes at Asianet Suvarna News , a popular regional news channel in Karnataka ( casemine.com ). Ajit initially gained attention through debate shows such as Left, Right & Centre , where his provocative questions and sharp commentary helped build his reputation as a bold and controversial figure ( casemine.com ). 📚 Early Life & Education Public records on Ajit's personal background, including birth year, hometown, and educational credentials, are limited. His rise in journalism appears rooted in local Kannada media, where he transitioned from reporting roles to anchoring and editorial responsibilities. 💼 Career Trajectory Regional Journalist – He began in Kannada-language television, gaining experience in reporting and anchoring for local audiences. Suvarna News Anch...
Post a Comment
Read more

Arzoo Kazmi, Journalist: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Arzoo Kazmi is a prominent journalist and human rights advocate from Pakistan, known for incisive political analysis and fearless reporting. Over the years, she has covered sensitive topics—from constitutional reforms to national security—and has been embroiled in controversies that highlight issues of press freedom and state pressure. Early Life & Education Background : Born in Pakistan, Arzoo developed a keen interest in journalism and public affairs early on. Education : Attended top journalism institutions (specifics kept private), where she honed her writing, analysis, and investigative skills. Entry into Media : Began as a researcher before quickly transitioning to on-screen reporting, earning respect for her clarity on constitutional and geopolitical matters. Career & Professional Highlights Rise as a Political Journalist Television & Digital Presence : Regularly appears on Pakistani and international news networks. She provides commentary on constitution...
Post a Comment
Read more

Saurabh Jorwal, IAS: Profile, Wiki, Girlfriend, Age and Educational Details

Saurabh Jorwal, an IAS officer of the 2014 batch from the Bihar cadre, has emerged as a dynamic figure in India’s administrative landscape. Known for his innovative approach and dedication to public welfare, Jorwal has made significant contributions during his postings in districts like Purnea, Saharsa, Aurangabad, and East Champaran (Motihari). A product of IIT Delhi and a two-time UPSC qualifier, his journey from engineering to civil services reflects a blend of academic brilliance, perseverance, and a commitment to solving grassroots problems. This biography explores Saurabh Jorwal’s life, education, career milestones, and the impact he has left on Bihar’s administration, making him a name worth searching for under "Saurabh Jorwal IAS biography." Early Life and Education: Roots of Excellence Saurabh Jorwal hails from a humble background, though specific details about his birthplace and family remain private, as is common with many IAS officers who prioritize their ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Vartika Katiyar, IPS: Complete Profile and Biography

Early Life & Education Vartika Katiyar is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2010 Karnataka cadre . Little public information is available about her early life and educational journey. Like most senior IPS officers, she would have undergone rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy , following selection via the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Police Career Progression After assignment to the Karnataka cadre , Katiyar held several important roles, including serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) of Kodagu district , where she oversaw law and order in the region. She later served at KSRP Training , contributing to training initiatives. Over time she climbed the ranks and reached the position of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Karnataka, serving in critical postings such as the Internal Security Division (ISD), Bengaluru , depending on addressing internal security concerns. Recent News & Controversy: Clash with IGP D. Ro...
Post a Comment
Read more

Subrat Kumar Sen, IAS: Complete Profile and Biography

Name: Subrat Kumar Sen Batch & Rank: 2013 batch, Bihar cadre; All India Rank 93 in UPSC CSE 2012 Date & Place of Birth: Born in late 1980s/early 1990s in Simrahi village, Supaul district, Bihar Parents: Gopal Krishan Sen (runs bicycle-parts shop), Rupa Sen Education: Primary schooling in Simrahi Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Supaul – a transformative phase  BA (Geography), Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi – graduated in 2009  🎯 UPSC Journey & Pre-IAS Career First attempt (2010): Fell ill during prelims, couldn’t clear the exam  2011 attempt: Cleared Prelims & Mains; joined Bank of India as a PO in Khandwa, MP while awaiting interview  Success in 2012: Cracked UPSC with AIR 93, got Bihar cadre, joined IAS in 2013  🏛 Administrative Journey & Key Postings Period Posting & Accomplishments Post-LBSNAA Initial field roles in governance and rural development 2018–2020 DM, Saran: Focus on...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pooja Parashar, Journalist: Profile, Bio, Age, Boyfriend and Family

Name: Pooja Parashar Profession: Broadcast Journalist & News Anchor Current Affiliation: Good News Today (via Instagram self-identification) ( Instagram ) Location: Delhi / Gurugram, India 🔍 Early Life & Education Pooja Parashar was born and raised in Delhi. Though her exact birthdate is not publicly documented, she attended Kendriya Vidyalaya schools before pursuing higher education, possibly in journalism or mass communication. On her Instagram, she fondly recalls being back “in the place where it all began” — likely her school hall or media college — highlighting her early fascination with broadcasting and on-screen storytelling . 🎤 Career Overview & On‑Air Presence From the outset, Pooja demonstrated remarkable confidence in front of the camera. Her breakthrough came as a news anchor at Good News Today , where she joined the editorial team and quickly became a familiar presence. In early 2025, Maharaja Agrasen College invited her to conduct a session with their...
Post a Comment
Read more

Riya Kejriwal, IAS: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Riya Kejriwal is a name that resonates with dedication, resilience, and excellence in the realm of Indian bureaucracy. As an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, she has carved a niche for herself through her commitment to public service and her ability to navigate the complexities of governance. Belonging to the 2017 batch, Riya Kejriwal’s journey from a determined aspirant to a respected civil servant is an inspiring tale of hard work and perseverance. Early Life and Background Riya Kejriwal was born into a family that valued education and discipline, though specific details about her birthplace and early childhood remain limited in the public domain. Like many successful IAS officers, her upbringing likely instilled in her a sense of responsibility and a drive to excel. Growing up in an environment that emphasized academic rigor, Riya developed an early interest in learning and problem-solving—qualities that would later define her career. Her formative years were marked by a...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Relationship Between Mansi Soni and Narendra Modi: Separating Truth, Myth, and Rumors

The alleged relationship between Mansi Soni and Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, has been a subject of intense speculation, particularly following the 2013 “Snoopgate” controversy. This episode, centered around claims of illegal surveillance, sparked debates about Modi’s personal and political conduct during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. While some narratives suggest a personal connection between Modi and Soni, others dismiss these as politically motivated rumors. Who is Mansi Soni? Mansi Soni is an architect from Gujarat, born into a Bhuj-based business family known for its jewelry enterprise, Hem Jewellers. Her father, Pranlal Soni, is a prominent businessman and Rotarian who played a role in Bhuj’s reconstruction after the 2001 earthquake. Mansi graduated from BMS College of Engineering in Bangalore in 1999 with a degree in architecture and later became a director at Ecolibrium Energy, a smart-grid company founded by her brothers, Chintan and Harit Soni. The company ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shilpa Gupta, IAS: Profile, Bio, Husband and Family

1. Early Life & Education Born in March (year undisclosed) in Delhi, India , Shilpa hails from a middle-class family with a strong emphasis on values and education. She attended a government school in Delhi before earning her B.A. and M.A. from Jamia Millia Islamia , equipping her with strong analytical and empathetic skills. Inspired by a desire to uplift marginalized communities, she pursued the UPSC Civil Services Exam , securing a coveted rank. 2. Entry into the Indian Administrative Service Joined the IAS in 2008 , allocated to the Madhya Pradesh cadre . Demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication through rigorous probationary training focused on grassroots governance and rural administration. 3. Notable Career Milestones a. District Magistrate of Morena Appointed as DM of Morena , a district infamously tied to Chambal dacoits . As the first woman collector , she faced and overcame deeply rooted law-and-order challenges with decisive governan...
Post a Comment
Read more