Shivade said that Purohit has received 17 badges from the Army for his anti-terrorist operations. “One badge is awarded for killing three terrorists,” Shivade said.

Purohit’s wife said that her husband was an upright and brave Army officer. “It is sad that such a good officer has been hatched into a blast case as part of a political conspiracy,” she said.

Day’s custody for Kulkarni
Another Malegaon blast suspect Sameer Kulkarni, who is accused of involv1ement in last year’s attack on Pastor Peter David Silway of Vineyard Church in Dapodi, was produced before the Khadki cantonment court for police custody. Police also suspect his role in the recent attack on Christians in Orissa.

The Khadki police produced him in court around 11.45 am. Public prosecutor B L Kadam sought seven days’ custody of Kulkarni. “Custodial interrogation of Kulkarni is required for nabbing two more accomplices in this case. The weapon and the two-wheeler used during the attack are to be recovered,” he said. The Khadki police officials said investigations would be done to know if he was involved in the recent attacks on Christians in Orissa.