JAMMU, SEPT 19: A Special NIA Court has rejected the joint bail application of three accused in connection with the April 2022 Sunjwan terror attack case, citing the gravity of the alleged offences and the material available on record.
The court rejected the bail pleas of Shafeeq Ahmad Sheikh, Bilal Ahmad Wagay and Mohd Ishaq Chopan, all residents of south Kashmir, in an order passed by Special Judge, NIA Court, Prem Sagar.
The case relates to the attack on a CISF vehicle in the Sunjwan area on the intervening night of April 21 and 22, 2022, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Samba. A CISF Assistant Sub-Inspector was killed and several security personnel were injured in the attack.
The two attackers, identified as Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed, were subsequently killed during retaliatory action, with arms and ammunition recovered from them. The National Investigation Agency is probing the case.
The three accused had sought bail citing prolonged incarceration and delay in the trial. The court, however, held that the delay could not be treated as sufficient grounds for bail at the trial-court stage, particularly in a militancy-related case. It noted that the trial was already underway and witnesses were being examined.
According to the court, material on record prima facie indicated the alleged involvement of the accused in a conspiracy linked to unlawful activities. It also expressed concern that their release could potentially affect key witnesses yet to be examined.
The accused have been alleged to have received infiltrated terrorists in Samba, transported them to Jammu and arranged safe shelter for them. They are also accused of allegedly providing similar assistance to other groups of terrorists and facilitating their movement towards the Valley.
The court rejected the joint bail plea after considering the nature and gravity of the alleged offences, the material on record and the larger interests of the State and Union Territory.
