Special NIA Court rejects bail plea of Doda teacher in Kishtwar weapons-snatching case

DODA — A Special NIA Court has rejected the bail plea of Tanvir Ahmed Malik, a teacher from Doda district, in connection with a 2019 Kishtwar weapons-snatching case, citing the progress of the trial and the possibility of the accused influencing key witnesses.

Malik was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 1, 2021, over allegations that he provided food, shelter and logistical support to members of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit in Kishtwar.

The prosecution alleged that Malik provided shelter to Haroon Abbas Wani and Tahir Ahmed Bhat at his residence and at an abandoned hideout near his home between June 2019 and January 2020.

Special Judge Prem Sagar observed that the trial was already underway, with charges framed in March 2022 and 30 of the 101 prosecution witnesses examined so far.

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The court held that the material on record indicated alleged involvement that required corroboration from witnesses who were yet to be examined.

It also observed that Malik’s release could create a possibility of influencing key witnesses and hampering the judicial process.

The court rejected the argument that prolonged custody and the delay in concluding the trial constituted sufficient grounds for bail, taking into consideration the nature of the allegations and the larger interests involved.