Col Prasad Purohit promoted as Brigadier

Decision of the Indian Army (Armed Forces Tribunal)

Mumbai – The Indian Army has approved the promotion of Col Prasad Purohit to the rank of Brigadier, after he was acquitted in the Malegaon bomb blast case.

From 17-Year Ordeal to Honour Restored 🚩

After a 17-year legal battle, Shrikant Prasad Purohit cleared for Brigadier rank.
His career remained frozen since 2008 after arrest in the Malegaon blast case.

After acquittal, his path is now restored. Armed Forces Tribunal halted… https://t.co/vtbKiajK97 pic.twitter.com/ndKKXif0gP

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) April 10, 2026

1. Col Purohit was due to retire from Army service on 31 March 2026; however, he had approached the Armed Forces Tribunal seeking redressal for his promotion.

2. While hearing his petition, the Tribunal had stayed his retirement. Orders were issued to retain him in service until a decision on his promotion process was made.

3. Following the Tribunal’s intervention and the technical procedures at the Army level, it was finally decided to promote Col Purohit to the rank of Brigadier.

He was arrested in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case and remained in prison for 9 years. In 2017, he was granted bail, after which he rejoined Army service. On 31 July 2025, the Special NIA Court in Mumbai acquitted him in the Malegaon bomb blast case. In 2017, the Supreme Court had granted him conditional bail.