Pune: Brigadier Rank for Col Purohit After Acquittal; Tribunal Seeks Govt Response

Pune, 10th April 2026: Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit, who was earlier implicated and later acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, has been promoted to the rank of brigadier, marking a significant development in his military career.

The promotion comes shortly after the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) stayed his retirement, which had been scheduled for March 31, 2026. Purohit had approached the tribunal, arguing that his career progression was adversely affected due to his arrest and the prolonged legal proceedings in the case.

Purohit was arrested in 2008 and remained in custody until 2017, when he was granted bail by the Supreme Court. Following his release, he resumed his duties and has continued in service. On July 31, 2025, a Special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted him of all charges in the Malegaon blast case.

In an order dated March 16, 2026, a bench headed by Rajendra Menon noted that Purohit had sought parity with his junior officers in matters of promotion and service benefits. The tribunal issued notices to the Union of India and other concerned authorities, seeking reasons for denying him the benefits and promotion opportunities.

During the hearing, Major S.S. Pandey (retd.), appearing as counsel for Purohit, argued that despite an unblemished service record of over two decades and strong performance reports after resuming duty, his case was not being fairly considered.

The AFT has put Purohit’s retirement on hold, stating that a final decision will depend on the outcome of his statutory grievances related to promotion and service benefits.

Reacting to the development, his wife Aparna Purohit expressed happiness, stating that the promotion was a result of “God’s grace” after years of struggle. She said that following his acquittal, he was first promoted to colonel and has now been elevated to brigadier.