Mumbai:

The National Investigative Agency (NIA) in a compliance report submitted to the special court today said that the body of BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case Feeling unwell, bed rest has been advised.

Taking note of the report, Special NIA Judge A K Lahoti today granted Ms Thakur’s request for exemption from appearing in person.

The Bhopal MP, the main accused in the case, sought immunity from appearing in court citing health issues. The court has asked the central agency to verify her health condition and submit a report by today.

The court, however, directed Ms. Thakur to continue to be present from April 20 and ensure that her statement is recorded.

The court is recording the statement of the accused under the Code of Criminal Procedure – where the accused himself explains whatever has arisen in the evidence against him/her.

A medical certificate accompanying the compliance report said a doctor visited the MP’s home in Bhopal, verified her health condition and advised her to rest as stated in the certificate issued by the hospital.

“Considering the above report, it can be said that accused No. 1 (Pragya Thakur) was ill and the doctor advised her to take bed rest,” the court said.

The court asked the investigating agency to immediately notify more information about the health condition of the accused.

A bail order was issued against Ms Thakur on March 11 for failing to attend proceedings despite clear instructions.

The warrant was canceled after she appeared in court on March 22.

However, she has since sought an exemption from personal appearances on health grounds.

On September 29, 2008, an explosive device strapped to a two-wheeler exploded near a mosque in Malegaon, about 200 kilometers from Mumbai, killing six people and injuring more than 100 others.

The case was initially investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and later handed over to the National Intelligence Agency in 2011.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)