India, Aug. 4 -- Jubilant scenes unfolded at Shantisheela Housing Society on Law College Road on Saturday as Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit returned home for the first time after being acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, on July 31, acquitted all seven remaining accused, including Purohit, of all charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and other relevant laws, bringing to an end a legal battle that spanned nearly 17 years.

Purohit, a serving Indian Army officer, was accorded a celebratory welcome with chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and a shower of flower petals. He was visibly moved by the warm reception.

"I am in a different state of mind. Today, I'm bein...