A Delhi court has sent a Jammu and Kashmir resident to ten days of National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody for his alleged involvement in the devastating blast near the Red Fort that claimed fifteen lives.
Court Proceedings and Allegations
On Monday, principal district and sessions judge Anju Bajaj Chandna at the Patiala House Courts granted the NIA's request for a ten-day custodial interrogation of Amir Rashid Ali, a resident of Samboora in Pampore, Jammu & Kashmir. The agency presented its case in a tightly secured courtroom, with proceedings held in camera and media personnel barred from entry.
In its remand application, the NIA alleged that Ali played a critical role in the November 10 attack. The prosecution claimed he was the registered owner of the car used as the vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Furthermore, the agency informed the court that Ali had allegedly arranged a safe house and provided logistical support to the suicide bomber, Umar Un Nabi, in the days leading up to the explosion.
Investigation and Security Measures
The NIA stated that Ali's custodial interrogation is essential to uncover the wider conspiracy behind the attack. The agency told the court that Ali is likely the last person to have been in contact with Nabi and that he would be taken to Kashmir for further investigation as part of the probe.
The court complex was under a massive security blanket during the proceedings. A heavy deployment of Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) officers was visible in and around the area. Teams equipped with anti-riot gear were kept on standby to prevent any untoward incident, underscoring the sensitivity of the case.
Intent and Impact of the Attack
According to the remand papers accessed by the prosecution, the blast was characterized by its precision and high intensity. The documents stated that the act was deliberately designed to instil fear among the public. The prosecution argued that the ultimate intention of the attack was to threaten and destabilize the nation's sovereignty and unity.
The NIA's case also includes the allegation that Ali travelled to Delhi to facilitate the purchase of the car that was later transformed into a deadly weapon. The investigation continues to unfold as authorities work to piece together the entire network behind the tragic event that shook the national capital.
