The special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court of Delhi-based Patiala House Court has granted bail to accused Madhesh Shankar alias Abdullah in a case related to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Giving relief on Monday, the court ordered his release on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh. Shankar was in custody for about 4 years and 9 months.
According to the information, Madhesh Shankar alias Abdullah was arrested in the year 2021 on charges of terrorist activities in a case registered by NIA. The investigating agency alleged that Madhesh was involved in radicalization of youth through social media. After completion of the investigation of the case, the charge sheet has been filed and charges have also been framed.
Spent 4 years and 9 months in custody
Madhesh Shankar was continuously in judicial custody after his arrest. He has spent about 4 years and 9 months in custody. The court admitted that despite being in custody for such a long period, the case is not likely to end soon. In view of the long period of detention and delay in the trial, the court gave him relief and granted him bail.
Long detention and delay in trial became the basis
Principal District and Sessions Judge Pitambar Dutt said in his order that the accused has been in jail for more than four years and nine months and there is no possibility of the trial ending soon. The court said that the prosecution has so far been able to examine only 61 witnesses, while the testimony of about 90 witnesses is still pending. In such a situation, the case may take a lot of time to complete. Keeping this fact in mind, the court accepted the bail petition.
Court imposed conditions
The court ordered the release of Madhesh Shankar on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and two sureties of the same amount. Along with this, some conditions have also been imposed. Under which they will have to submit their passport. The court has directed him not to indulge in any similar activity. Along with this, he has also been prevented from contacting people associated with ISIS through phone or any other medium.
Shankar’s lawyer argued in the court
Advocate Rahul Sahni appeared in the court on behalf of Shankar. He argued that his client has been in jail for a long time and he should also be granted bail on the basis of the relief given to other co-accused. He also said that the charge sheet has been filed in the case and charges have been framed, so there is no possibility of the investigation being affected. The court considered these arguments and approved Shankar’s bail.
Leave a Reply