A special NIA court presided over by judge Prem Sagar has rejected the bail application of Tanvir Ahmed Malik, an operative of the Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit, in connection with a 2019 weapons-snatching case in Kishtwar district. The court ruled that trial delays do not constitute sufficient grounds for granting bail in grave terror cases, particularly when there is a strong likelihood of the accused influencing witnesses.
The case dates back to March 8, 2019, when terrorists stormed the rented accommodation of head constable Daleep Singh, escort in-charge for then Kishtwar deputy commissioner Angrez Singh Rana, at Asrarabad. At gunpoint, the attackers snatched an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 90 cartridges. Police initially registered FIR 31/2019 under the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, citing an attempt to revive terrorism in Kishtwar and threaten national sovereignty. In its order, the court noted that 30 of the 101 prosecution witnesses have already been examined, concluding that the trial is actively progressing and the severity of the charges warrants continued custody.
The probe was later transferred to the National Investigation Agency.
