The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has termed as “unwarranted and baseless” the allegations levelled by its ex-special public prosecutor Rohini Salian that she was asked to “go soft” against the accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case. Refuting Salian’s claims before the Supreme Court, the NIA said that no accused was granted bail since June 2014 when prosecutor was allegedly asked to “go soft”.
“It is worth mentioning that all bail orders in Malegaon blasts case have been obtained by the accused persons when the respondents were represented through Rohini Salian (SPP) that no bail has been granted by any court to any person arrested in the case since June 2014 when, as alleged by Salian, the ‘go soft’ message was passed on to her,” an affidavit submitted by NIA before the apex court said.
Salian, who was SPP in the case, had stirred a controversy by alleging that an NIA officer had told her to “go soft” on the accused and claimed the same officer had told her that she would be replaced. On the issue of Salian’s removal from NIA’s panel of lawyers, the anti-terror agency denied that she was being “targeted” and said it was done as per the policy under which two other prosecutors were also proposed to be de-notified since they have completed five years.
“It is evident that Salian is not being targeted and the recommendation is in accordance with the process of law. It is relevant to note that the MHA is still examining the matter and a final view has not yet been taken,” the affidavit said.
The agency has further stated that all matters relating to the Malegaon blasts cases were pending before the apex court during June 2014 and there was no pending matter of any importance before the trial court or Bombay High Court. The affidavit was filed in response to a plea, filed by Harsh Mander, against removal of Special Public Prosecutor by NIA in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case.’
