Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit has been promoted to the rank of Colonel following his acquittal in the controversial 2008 Malegaon blast case, where six people lost their lives and over 100 were injured. The special NIA court, in its verdict delivered on July 31, emphasized that mere suspicion cannot substitute for concrete evidence, thereby exonerating Purohit along with six other accused. This case had significant repercussions, as it marked the first instance of a serving Indian Army officer facing legal action in a terror-related matter, and it drew attention to allegations of a narrative being constructed around “Hindu terror” prior to the incident. Purohit, who was a military intelligence officer, claimed he was coerced into implicating right-wing leaders and highlighted discrepancies in witness testimonies. Celebrating his reinstatement in the Army, he expressed gratitude to the institution for its unwavering support. The promotion and acquittal of Purohit not only restore his military career but also reignite discussions about the politicization of terrorism narratives in India, underscoring the importance of judicial integrity in military cases and the ramifications for national security and public perception.