Delhi Court Approves NIA's Request for 45-Day Investigation Extension in Red Fort Blast Case
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New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) A Delhi court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a further 45 days to finalize its investigation into the Red Fort blast incident, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives and numerous injuries.
The Patiala House Court has permitted the anti-terror agency's request for additional time to wrap up its inquiry. This is the second time the Central agency has sought an extension for this case.
Sources indicate that the NIA reported the emergence of significant new leads during the investigation, along with a substantial amount of digital evidence currently being analyzed, which necessitates the extra time. The agency also informed the court that the inquiry points to a broader conspiracy with potential connections across various regions in India, as well as international ties that require thorough investigation.
The NIA is also examining radical Arabic materials allegedly found with the accused. They have requested assistance from an Arabic language expert at Jamia Millia Islamia to ensure accurate interpretation of these materials.
Moreover, the agency has identified a WhatsApp group believed to have been used by the accused, which is currently under scrutiny. Several mobile numbers associated with the case are also being investigated as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Previously, on February 13, the court had granted the NIA 45 days to conclude its investigation, although the agency had initially requested a 90-day extension. The Patiala House Court had partially approved the request, instructing that the inquiry be completed within the extended period.
Earlier, Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma had allowed the NIA to question accused Yasir Ahmad Dar for an additional 10 days.
The NIA claims that Dar, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, is the ninth suspect arrested in connection with the case. He was detained in New Delhi under pertinent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The agency has stated, "NIA investigations have uncovered Dar's involvement in the conspiracy behind the car bomb explosion that shocked the national capital on November 10. He was an active participant in the conspiracy and had pledged his allegiance to carry out self-sacrificial operations," as previously reported by the anti-terror agency.
The NIA has also asserted that Dar maintained close contact with other accused individuals in the case, including Dr. Umar Nabi, the deceased perpetrator of the bombing, and Mufti Irfan.
Dr. Malla of Baramulla, identified as the eighth suspect, was apprehended by an NIA team in Delhi on December 9.
According to the agency, he knowingly assisted Umar Nabi by providing logistical support and is also accused of destroying evidence related to the terrorist attack.
The NIA continues its investigation into the larger conspiracy surrounding the deadly blast, collaborating closely with various central and state agencies to uncover all connections.