Sacrifices Make the Country: Lt Colonel Purohit In Republic Super Exclusive

Mumbai: A day before the final hearing in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit remains resolute in his determination to serve the country. In his first exclusive interview with Republic in eight years, Lt Col. Purohit expressed his dissatisfaction with not being able to give his best for the country. "I feel ashamed of myself that I am not able to put in 100 percent for the country," he stated.

When questioned about support from the Army and his own contributions, Lt Col. Purohit emphasized that the focus should be on what he and others are doing for the Army, rather than what the organization does for them. He stressed that true dedication means giving one's all and reminded everyone of their duty to the country and its people. "Instead of asking what the Army is doing for me, ask what I am doing for the Army," he said.

When asked about the torture he faced during the investigation, Lt Col. Purohit chose to move on from the subject, stating, "Nothing more than that."

On Kargil Diwas, he remarked, "Sacrifices are what make the country strong, not freebies. And stop asking these leftist-like questions."

So you want to contribute more to the country?

Col. Purohit: "Not just me—everyone should. It’s our land, our people, our soil. Remember that."

Video: Lt. Col. Purohit's Exclusive Chat With Republic Ahead of NIA Hearing

Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, has consistently maintained his innocence. In his statement to the court, he argued that the case against him was built on falsehoods and that the narrative presented by the prosecution was fabricated and concocted. The trial and investigation into the Malegaon blast have been a subject of significant controversy and debate in India.

The final trial in the Malegaon blast case is set to begin tomorrow in an NIA court. In a written statement to the court, Lt. Col. Purohit had accused Param Bir Singh of torturing him to extract statements intended to frame Yogi Adityanath and other RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders.