Suspected IS operative moves special court for bail

A suspected operative of Islamic State, Mufti Abdus Sami Qasmi, today moved a special court seeking bail in a case of allegedly delivering inflammatory speeches and instigating youths for anti-national activities.
District Judge Amar Nath has fixed May 30 for hearing the application of Qasmi, who was arrested on February 5. He is currently in the judicial custody.
The petition said, "The extension period of his detention (for completing the period of investigation) expired on May 27 and neither charge sheet was filed nor the period was further extended, hence the indefeasible right to statutory bail arises and the applicant-accused have been entitled to be released on bail."

The judicial custody of Qasmi was yesterday extended by a special court till June 10.
The NIA has claimed that the probe was on in different parts of the country and the accused had a nexus with the banned terrorist organisation.
It said said that the electronic devices like mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards etc., seized from the possession of the accused, had been sent for forensic analysis and the report was still awaited.

It also claimed that during the custodial interrogation, Qasmi had revealed the names and codes of his associates inside and outside India and investigation was being carried out to identify them.

According to prosecution, Qasmi, a Delhi-based Islamic scholar known for his fiery speeches, was arrested from Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi District in February 5 this year.
The NIA has claimed that he had been "delivering provocative and inflammatory speeches and was instigating youths for anti-national activities".