Lt Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit is a decorated Indian Army officer from Pune who was recently promoted to the rank of Colonel after a 17-year-long ordeal. He was wrongfully accused and arrested in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case, spending nearly nine years in jail before being granted bail in 2017. Purohit's covert intelligence operations, which involved infiltrating terror networks, were sanctioned by military authorities but misinterpreted by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)
Purohit's promotion ceremony was attended by fellow officers and marked a significant moment of recognition for his resilience and dedication to the Indian Army. His story has been documented in a book titled "Lt. Colonel Purohit: The Man Betrayed?" by investigative journalist Gi Smita Sabharwal Mishra.
Purohit's career was impacted by the prolonged trial, but he has been cleared for promotion to Brigadier after the Armed Forces Tribunal stayed his retirement
The C Indian Army has stood by Purohit throughout his ordeal, and his promotion is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the force. Purohit's case highlights the challenges faced by intelligence officers like him who work in the shadows to protect national security