A designated NIA court in Jammu on Monday extended the judicial custody of separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah till May 6 in connection with a three-decade-old terror case. Shah was produced before special judge Prem Sagar by the chief investigating officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), who sought further custody for investigations into the 1996 Naaz Crossing mob violence case in Srinagar, officials said.
Court Observations and Directives
Observing that the accused was prima facie involved in serious offences punishable under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act, the court extended his custody for 10 more days. However, it directed the agency to expedite the probe and strictly adhere to the provisions of the BNSS. The court further directed that the accused be medically examined every 48 hours.
Background of the Case
Shah, who was recently released on bail after spending nearly seven years in jail in other cases, was arrested in Delhi by the Srinagar branch of the NIA on April 17 in connection with the 1996 case. The case relates to a mob attack on policemen during a terrorist’s funeral. He was brought to Jammu on transit remand and produced before the NIA court.
According to the prosecution, during the course of investigation, the accused admitted his presence at Naaz Crossing at the time of the attack and allegedly led the mob along with other Hurriyat Conference leaders. However, he has not disclosed the identity of the terrorists involved, despite repeated questioning.
Investigation Updates
It was also submitted that the terror probe agency has formally written to the CID Kashmir and Doordarshan Kashmir (DD Kashmir) seeking archival footage and other material related to the incident dated July 17, 1996.
