A special court in Jammu, designated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has refused to grant interim bail to an alleged over-ground worker of the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The accused, identified as Mohd Rafi, also known as Lala, had sought a 15-day release to participate in the post-funeral rituals of his mother-in-law.
Court Cites Flight Risk in Bail Rejection
The plea for temporary bail was strongly opposed by the State Investigation Agency (SIA). The agency argued before the court that Rafi, a resident of the bordering Poonch district, presented a significant flight risk. The SIA's submission highlighted his deep-rooted connections and the serious nature of the charges against him, which could motivate him to evade the judicial process if released.
Serious Charges of Narcotics and Arms Trafficking
The investigative agency painted a grave picture of the accused's alleged activities. According to the SIA, Mohd Rafi is a habitual offender involved in a dangerous nexus of illegal trades. The charges against him include trafficking narcotics, circulating fake Indian currency notes, and smuggling arms and ammunition.
The scale of his alleged operations was underscored by the recovery made from his residence. Police seized a substantial 7 kilograms of drugs, along with cash amounting to Rs 2.3 lakh and USD 15,000. Additionally, a cache of arms and ammunition was confiscated, further solidifying the agency's case against him.
Judicial Scrutiny Overrides Personal Appeal
While the request for bail was made on humanitarian grounds related to a family death, the court ultimately sided with the prosecution's arguments. The judge deemed the security concerns and the severity of the accusations to outweigh the personal appeal. This decision underscores the stringent approach often taken in cases involving national security and UAPA charges, where the potential risk to public safety and the integrity of the investigation are paramount considerations.
The rejection of bail ensures that Mohd Rafi will remain in judicial custody as the legal proceedings against him continue. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir to dismantle the support networks of terrorist organizations, targeting not just operatives but also their logistical and financial channels.
