High Court Orders Expedited Trial in Cuttack Terror Recruitment Case
The Orissa High Court has directed the sessions judge in Cuttack to accelerate the trial proceedings against Md Abdur Rehman, who faces serious allegations of propagating anti-national ideology and recruiting youths for terrorist organizations including Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Indian Mujahideen (IM).
Justice Gourishankar Satapathy's bench dismissed Rehman's bail plea on November 11, with the official order being uploaded on November 14. While rejecting the bail application, the court emphasized the need for swift justice in this 2016 case that has significant implications for national security.
Background of the Case and Previous Conviction
Md Abdur Rehman, a resident of Paschimkachha under Salepur in Cuttack district, was first arrested in December 2015 by a joint team of Delhi and Odisha police following specific intelligence inputs connecting him to radicalization activities and recruitment for extremist organizations.
In a significant development in February 2023, a Patiala House court in Delhi convicted Rehman and three associates—Mohd Asif, Zafar Masood, and Abdul Sami—under sections 18 (conspiracy for terror acts) and 18B (recruitment for terror acts) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The court sentenced Rehman to seven years and five months of rigorous imprisonment, a term he has already completed. Despite serving this sentence, Rehman remains in custody due to a second UAPA case filed by Odisha police.
Court's Rationale for Bail Rejection and Expedited Trial
Rehman had sought bail solely on the grounds of prolonged incarceration. However, Justice Satapathy observed that the allegations against him were "not only serious, but also grave" and had direct ramifications for national security.
The court noted that Rehman had failed to meet the stringent requirements of Section 43-D(5) of the UAPA, which sets high thresholds for granting bail in terrorism-related cases. With 38 witnesses already examined and the case still pending, the court found granting bail inappropriate under these circumstances.
In his order, Justice Satapathy specifically requested the trial court to "expedite the trial and dispose of the case as expeditiously as possible," acknowledging Rehman's extended period in custody while balancing national security concerns.
Serious Allegations of Terror Recruitment and Funding
According to Odisha police charges, Rehman faces multiple offences under both the UAPA and Indian Penal Code, including charges of sedition and terrorism-related activities.
Police investigations reveal that Rehman and his associates were allegedly operating madrassas in Bilteruan and nearby areas, teaching approximately 80 students from Jharkhand and other states. However, authorities claim these institutions were being used as fronts for more sinister activities.
The prosecution alleges that Rehman was "mainly propagating anti-national ideology in the minds of innocent students with a view to engage them in anti-national activities" and actively recruiting youths for established terrorist organizations like AQIS and Indian Mujahideen.
More disturbingly, police investigations suggest that "previously some youths have already been recruited by him" and that he was "receiving money from foreign sources in the form of donation" under the guise of madrassa funding.
The case continues to unfold as the trial court begins accelerated proceedings following the High Court's directive, marking a crucial phase in this long-pending matter that touches upon critical national security concerns.
