NIA gets custody extension for Red Fort blast accused amidst lack of concrete evidence
New Delhi: Amidst lack of concrete evidence, a Delhi court has extended till January 16 the NIA custody of five accused in the Red Fort blast case, including three doctors and a religious scholar.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna allowed the agency’s plea to extend the custodial interrogation of Dr Adeel Rather, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Dr Muzammil Ganaie, religious scholar Moulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagay, and Jasir Bilal Wani.
Umar-un-Nabi was driving the explosive-laden car that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10, leaving 15 people dead. The NIA has arrested nine accused in the case.
Legal experts say the NIA’s move to seek an extension of custody suggests it is struggling to find concrete evidence linking the accused to the Red Fort blast. “The lack of concrete proof is likely the reason behind the NIA’s repeated requests for extended custody,” said a senior lawyer. The experts also point out that the NIA’s reliance on so-called “code words” raises concerns about the agency’s investigation strategy.
