J&K NIA court denies bail to dismissed DSP Devender Singh, grants 5-day parole
Synopsis
A dismissed J&K police officer arrested for allegedly ferrying Hizbul Mujahideen militants — including a self-styled commander — has been denied interim bail by an NIA court, but granted five days of custody parole to attend his father's last rites. The case remains one of the most sensitive insider-threat episodes in J&K's recent security history.
Key Takeaways
A special NIA court on 21 July rejected the interim bail plea of dismissed DSP Devender Singh , accused of ferrying Hizbul Mujahideen militants in Anantnag in January 2020 .
The court granted five-day custody parole from 27 to 30 July for Singh to attend his father's Akhand Paath and post-cremation rituals in Srinagar .
Singh has been lodged in Kot Bhalwal Central Jail , Jammu, since his arrest on 11 January 2020 ; he was dismissed from service in 2021 .
The NIA opposed interim bail citing UAPA , Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act charges, warning of witness-tampering risk.
His appeal against rejection of regular bail remains pending before a higher court.
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has rejected the interim bail plea of dismissed Jammu and Kashmir deputy superintendent of police Devender Singh, but granted him a five-day custody parole on humanitarian grounds to attend his father's post-death religious rituals in Srinagar. The order was passed on 21 July by Special Judge Prem Sagar.
What the Court Ordered
The court permitted Singh to attend the Akhand Paath and other post-cremation rites at his family's Srinagar residence between 27 and 30 July, under police escort, with daily timings restricted to 10 am to 4 pm. He is required to return to Kot Bhalwal Central Jail in Jammu by 31 July.
Special Judge Sagar stated in his order: 'Keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case, the prayer to grant interim bail is not considered as the applicant has already filed an appeal against the rejection of regular bail. However, this court partly allows the application purely on humanitarian grounds and allows him to participate in the religious rituals.'
Background: The Arrest and Dismissal
Devender Singh was arrested on 11 January 2020 at a checkpoint in Anantnag while allegedly ferrying Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including self-styled commander Syed Naveed Mushtaq. The NIA subsequently chargesheeted him, and he was dismissed from service in 2021. He has been lodged in Kot Bhalwal Central Jail since his arrest.
Singh had sought 20 days of interim bail to attend the cremation and post-death rituals following the passing of his father, Deedar Singh, in Srinagar on 17 July. The court, however, granted only five days of custody parole.
NIA's Stand on Bail
The NIA strongly opposed the interim bail application, citing serious charges framed against Singh under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. The agency argued that releasing him could pose a risk of witness tampering. It did, however, state it had no objection to custody parole provided adequate police escort was arranged.
Security Implications of the Case
Singh's arrest and subsequent dismissal had triggered a red alert across Jammu and Kashmir, given that he had been deployed on active anti-terror operations. Authorities launched a verification drive of the antecedents of individuals associated with him, amid concerns that he may have developed contacts with militant networks during his tenure. This is among the most high-profile cases of alleged insider collusion with terror groups in J&K in recent years.
What Happens Next
Singh's appeal against the rejection of his regular bail remains pending before a higher court. The NIA case against him continues, with the custody parole period set to conclude on 31 July. The outcome of his bail appeal will determine the next phase of his legal proceedings.
Point of View
While conceding custody parole, signals how seriously the agency views the risk of interference. With a regular bail appeal still live, the case will test whether the judiciary weighs humanitarian considerations against the gravity of UAPA-framed charges — a tension that has defined several high-profile terror cases in J&K.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was DSP Devender Singh arrested?
Devender Singh was arrested on 11 January 2020 at a checkpoint in Anantnag while allegedly transporting Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including self-styled commander Syed Naveed Mushtaq. The NIA chargesheeted him and he was dismissed from the J&K Police in 2021.
Why did the NIA court reject his interim bail?
The NIA court rejected interim bail citing serious charges under UAPA, the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the IPC, and noted that Singh already has a regular bail appeal pending before a higher court. The NIA had also flagged the risk of witness tampering if he were released.
What is custody parole and how does it differ from bail?
Custody parole allows an accused to attend a specific event outside jail while remaining under police escort and supervision — they are not free and must return to custody. Bail, by contrast, releases the accused from custody subject to conditions. The NIA court granted parole but denied bail in this case.
When and where will Devender Singh attend the rituals?
Singh will be taken to his family residence in Srinagar between 27 and 30 July, daily from 10 am to 4 pm, under police escort. He must return to Kot Bhalwal Central Jail in Jammu by 31 July.
What happens to his case after the parole period ends?
After the custody parole concludes on 31 July, Singh returns to Kot Bhalwal Central Jail. His appeal against the rejection of regular bail remains pending before a higher court, which will determine the next legal step in his case.
