The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted bail to three individuals in a case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) concerning alleged connections with the banned organization Hizb ut-Tahrir. A division bench comprising Justices Vivek Agarwal and R C Singh Bisen extended relief to Sheikh Junaid, Mohammad Wasim, and Mohammad Karim.
Background of the Case
The three were among 17 people arrested by the NIA from Bhopal and other parts of Madhya Pradesh in May 2023 on suspicion of links with the organization. The agency subsequently filed a chargesheet before a special court. The accused approached the High Court after a trial court declined to quash the First Information Report (FIR) against them.
Arguments Presented
During the hearing, the counsel for the applicants argued that apart from photocopies of Islamic literature, no incriminating material was recovered from them. It was also submitted that their implication was based solely on the memorandum statement of co-accused Yasir Khan. Furthermore, analysis of their seized mobile phones did not reveal any evidence of their membership in the organization.
Opposing the bail plea, the prosecution contended that witness statements indicated the accused held radical views and were prepared to engage in unlawful activities.
Court's Directions
While granting bail, the bench imposed several conditions. The accused were directed to surrender their passports and provide details of four family members along with their local addresses. The court also ordered that they must not leave the country without prior permission of the trial court and must appear before it on every date of hearing. Advocate Alok Bagrecha represented the applicants.
