This 2007 Ajmer Dargah blast case continues to highlight deep divisions in India's criminal justice system and communal politics.

Ajmer Blast Convicts Welcomed By The Crowd

Ajmer Dargah blast happened in 2007, and three people were killed in that blast. The convicted individuals, in this case, were welcomed as heroes by a large crowd, which included the associated members of RSS, VHP, and BJP, after they released on bail granted by the Rajasthan High Court. Bhavesh Patel, who is one of the convicts of this blast case, as he reached in his hometown Bharuch from Ajmer, members from the different right-wing outfits including the BJP, ruling Bharuch Municipality, with the common masses provided him with an enthusiastic welcome. 

According to the Indian Express, the lawyer of the two convicts in the Ajmer dargah blast case, Devendra Gupta and Bhavesh Patel, said that they had been convicted on ‘human probability, conjectures, evidence, circumstantial,’ basis. Patel stated that “one thing is clear, that despite disturbance, the truth remains the truth. It comes out subsequently,” and furthermore Patel prefers to be addressed as Swami Muktananda.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH5iM0etkjw

Members of Bharuch Municipality were also present on the welcome occasion, including the BJP councillors and Marutisinh Atodariya. The president of Bharuch municipality was also present to welcome him.

Hundreds of people along with the VHP, BJP, RSS members welcomed the convict of Ajmer Blast and walked towards his place, after that he went for the prayer. Spokesperson of VHP Gujarat unit, Viral Desai claimed that ‘Patel has remained connected with the VHP and the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) since his younger years.

Long back, he had also functioned as an office bearer of the Bharuch unit of RSS. Last year in the month of March 2017, a trial court had penalised Patel and his co-accused associate, Devindra Gupta to Life imprisonment in the case of Ajmer Dargah blast. Ajmer Dargah blast occurred during the time of Roza on October 11, 2007, three pilgrims had died and 15 were injured.

Patel reached Bharuch and visited the Swaminarayan temple located at the Dandiya bazar area.

Many people stood in his way when he was returning from the temple. When he started to walk towards his home, people showered garlands and yelled slogans in his support. Many relatives of Patel, who were dressed in saffron turbans and robes, were also involved in the welcome ceremony.

People present there were questioned by some of the reporters, according to the Indian Express, a lady was asked by the reporter about her presence in the crowd, Tamukawala said that she received a WhatsApp message and therefore she went there.

The Appalling Behaviour Of The Masses

Nishant Varma, a social activist, said, any welcome reception from any political party to a convict should be ‘unacceptable’ and it should be call as ‘anti-national’. He said that the convicted person either comes out on bail or after completing his/her punishment cannot be given a welcome as a hero.

This incident is appalling and forces us to think about the route this country is taking. A society in which criminals are welcomed as heroes of war brings forward the inherent hate and xenophobia present in the minds of the masses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhsFgt4MP8o

In the recent times, we have seen the convicts of rape, mob lynching and other heinous crimes have been repeatedly celebrated by both the masses and the current government. Very recently the convicts of Jharkhand Mob lynching were garlanded by the Union Minister Jayant Sinha. Such acts provide impunity and courage to these criminals.

We should collectively introspect about who we celebrate and who we diss, criminals [convicted ones] definitely do not qualify for the former.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Ajmer Dargah blast and when did it occur?

The Ajmer Dargah blast took place in 2007 at the shrine in Rajasthan, resulting in three deaths. The case later became controversial due to the nature of evidence presented and the bail granted to convicts, sparking significant debate about judicial proceedings and communal narratives in India.

Who were the main convicts in the Ajmer Blast case?

Bhavesh Patel and Devendra Gupta were among the primary convicts in the Ajmer Blast case. Bhavesh Patel, who later preferred to be addressed as Swami Muktananda, received a controversial bail from the Rajasthan High Court, leading to a public welcome in his hometown Bharuch.

Why did right-wing organizations welcome the Ajmer Blast convicts?

RSS, VHP, and BJP-affiliated members organized the welcome, claiming the convicts had been wrongly prosecuted on circumstantial evidence. According to VHP spokesperson Viral Desai, Bhavesh Patel maintained long-standing connections with these organizations since his youth, influencing their public support and reception.

What were the grounds cited for the bail in Ajmer Blast case?

The convicts’ lawyer, Devendra Gupta, argued they were convicted primarily on circumstantial evidence, conjectures, and human probability rather than concrete proof. The Rajasthan High Court subsequently granted bail, leading to widespread controversy and debate about the strength of the original prosecution case.

How did the public reception of Ajmer Blast convicts affect communal politics?

The welcome reception highlighted deep divisions in India’s justice system perception and communal politics. Hundreds attended from RSS, VHP, and BJP, including Bharuch Municipality president and councillors, transforming a bail hearing outcome into a significant political and social statement reflecting broader tensions.