Retired ATS Officer Alleges Pressure to Frame RSS Chief in Malegaon Blast Case
Mumbai, August 1, 2025 — In a shocking revelation, retired Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer Mehboob Mujhawar has claimed that he was pressured to arrest Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Mujhawar further alleged that he was directed to give the investigation a “saffron terror” angle, implying a deliberate attempt to implicate Hindu organizations and leaders.
The Malegaon blast, which occurred on September 29, 2008, in Nashik, Maharashtra, killed six people and injured over 100. Initially, the investigation focused on various groups, but it later took a controversial turn with allegations of “saffron terror” being pushed by certain political and investigative factions.
Speaking exclusively to Hindutone, Mujhawar, who served in the ATS during the investigation, claimed that senior officials instructed him to target Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak of the RSS, despite a lack of credible evidence linking him to the blast. “I was told to build a case against Mohan Bhagwat ji and to project the narrative of ‘saffron terror.’ It was clear that the orders were politically motivated,” Mujhawar said. He added that he resisted the pressure, citing professional ethics and the absence of any substantial proof.
Mujhawar’s allegations point to a broader conspiracy to malign Hindu organizations during the period when the term “saffron terror” gained traction in public discourse. He claimed that certain political leaders and officials sought to use the Malegaon case to tarnish the image of the RSS and other nationalist groups. “The agenda was to weaken the Hindu organizations by labeling them as terror outfits. I refused to be a part of this fabricated narrative,” he stated.
The retired officer’s claims have reignited debates about the handling of the Malegaon blast case. The investigation saw several twists, with initial accusations against Hindu groups later being challenged in court. In 2016, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which took over the case, filed a chargesheet that dropped names of some accused and questioned the “saffron terror” theory, citing insufficient evidence.
RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar responded to Mujhawar’s claims, stating, “These revelations expose the malicious attempts to defame the RSS and its leadership. The Sangh has always worked for national unity and harmony, and such conspiracies will not deter us from our mission.”
Political reactions have been swift, with BJP leaders demanding a thorough probe into Mujhawar’s allegations. “This is a serious matter that points to the misuse of state machinery for political vendettas. Those responsible must be held accountable,” said Maharashtra BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. Meanwhile, opposition parties have remained cautious, with some dismissing the claims as an attempt to “rewrite history.”
Mujhawar, now living a quiet life post-retirement, said he chose to speak out to set the record straight. “I served the nation with integrity, and I could not stay silent about this injustice any longer. The truth must come out,” he concluded.
The Malegaon blast case remains a contentious issue, with ongoing legal proceedings and polarized opinions. Mujhawar’s allegations have added a new layer to the controversy, raising questions about the integrity of past investigations and the role of political pressures in shaping terror probes.
Hindutone reached out to the Maharashtra ATS and the Home Ministry for comments, but no response was received at the time of publishing.
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