A Delhi court has extended the custodial interrogation of the ninth individual arrested in connection with the 2000 Red Fort terror attack, handing him over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) until December 26. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing probe into the decades-old case that shook the nation's capital.
Court Grants Extended Custody for Deeper Probe
Special Judge Shailendra Malik of the Patiala House Courts approved the NIA's plea for custody of the accused, identified as Mohammad Ali Bhatt. The federal agency argued that his custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the broader conspiracy behind the attack and to identify other individuals involved in the plot. The court found merit in the NIA's request, allowing them to question Bhatt intensively for the next several days.
The NIA informed the court that Bhatt's arrest is linked to a fresh case registered by the agency concerning the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) conspiracy to carry out the audacious attack on the historic monument. The agency emphasized the need to confront Bhatt with other evidence and suspects already in custody to piece together the complete sequence of events and the network behind it.
Revisiting the 2000 Red Fort Terror Attack
The case dates back to the night of December 22, 2000, when terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Toiba militant group launched a brazen assault on the Red Fort in Delhi. The attack resulted in the tragic death of three individuals, including two security personnel and a civilian. The incident, which targeted one of India's most iconic and secure landmarks, sent shockwaves across the country and led to a major investigation.
Initial investigations and prosecutions were carried out, but the NIA's recent activities suggest a renewed effort to investigate deeper layers of the conspiracy. The arrest of Mohammad Ali Bhatt represents the ninth apprehension made by the NIA in this revived probe, indicating that the agency is actively pursuing new leads and suspects connected to the two-decade-old case.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
During the court proceedings, the NIA's counsel presented arguments detailing why Bhatt's custody was crucial. The agency plans to use this period to interrogate him about his specific role, the planning of the attack, the source of weapons and funding, and his connections with other members of the LeT module. The court's order until December 26 provides the NIA with a defined window to extract critical information.
This arrest and custodial remand underscore the NIA's continued focus on tackling terrorism-related cases, even those that are historically significant. It highlights the agency's determination to ensure that all individuals involved in acts of terror are brought to justice, regardless of the time that has elapsed. The outcome of this interrogation period could potentially reveal new dimensions of the Red Fort attack conspiracy.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 26, when the NIA will need to present its findings from the custodial interrogation and possibly seek further judicial action. The developments in this case are being closely monitored as they pertain to national security and the enduring fight against terrorism in India.
