Did a Delhi court just extend NIA's investigation into the Red Fort blast?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) A Delhi court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) an extension of 45 days to finalize its investigation into the Red Fort blast case, which resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives and left numerous others injured. The anti-terror agency initially requested a 90-day extension, but the Patiala House Court approved a partial extension and instructed the NIA to conclude the investigation within this new timeframe.
The court also prolonged the judicial custody of the seven defendants involved in the case until March 13. Accused Shoaib appeared physically in court, while the other six defendants attended via video conference.
Previously, Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma had authorized the NIA to interrogate accused Yasir Ahmad Dar for an additional 10 days, with the custody of co-accused Dr. Bilal Naseer Malla also being extended.
As per the NIA, Dar, who hails from Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, is the ninth individual arrested in connection with the case. He was taken into custody in New Delhi under applicable sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The NIA's investigations have indicated Dar's significant involvement in the conspiracy behind the car bomb explosion that shook the national capital on November 10. He is noted as an active participant who pledged allegiance to carry out self-sacrificial missions, according to the agency's earlier statements.
The NIA has also stated that Dar was in close communication with other accused individuals in the case, including Dr. Umar Nabi, the deceased bomber, and Mufti Irfan. Dr. Malla, identified as the eighth accused, was arrested by an NIA team from Delhi on December 9. The agency alleges that he knowingly provided support to Umar Nabi and is implicated in the destruction of evidence related to the terrorist attack.
The NIA continues its investigation into the broader conspiracy surrounding this deadly blast, collaborating with various central and state agencies to uncover all connections.