AQIS Case: Delhi Police Challenges Investigation Deadline Denial In HC

The Delhi Police on Tuesday approached the Delhi High Court to challenge a trial court’s decision denying an extension for the investigation period in the Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent Jharkhand Module case.

The investigation’s 90-day deadline is set to expire today, with the Delhi Police Special Cell handling the case.

The plea was mentioned before a division bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan by Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Lakshya Khanna. The High Court agreed to list the matter, stating it would likely be heard if in order.

Trial Court Denies Extension

On Monday, the Patiala House Court rejected the Delhi Police’s request to extend the investigation period by another 90 days. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Dr. Hardeep Kaur dismissed the plea, leaving investigators with limited time to complete their work.

The case involves 11 accused individuals, including Dr. Ishtiyaq Ahmed of Ranchi, who were arrested in a joint operation by police forces from Delhi, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The accused, remanded to judicial custody on September 12, 2024, are alleged to be part of a training module under Dr. Ahmed’s leadership.

Arrests and Allegations

The 11 individuals, arrested in August, include:

From Jharkhand: Hasan Ansari, Anamul Ansari, Altaf Ansari, Arshad Khan, Umar Farooq, and Shahbaz Ansari.
Others: Dr. Ishtiyaq Ahmed, Mohd. Rizwan, Motiur Rehman, Rehmatullah, and Faizan Ahmed.

The accused allegedly underwent indoctrination and weapons training at multiple locations, including Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Six individuals were detained during active weapons training, while others were apprehended in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.

The Delhi Police claimed the module, inspired by AQIS, aimed to establish a “Khilafat” and carry out terrorist activities in India.

Recovered Items

During raids, police seized weapons and other materials, including:
– One AK-47 rifle, a .38 bore revolver, live cartridges for multiple firearms, and a dummy INSAS rifle.
– Components potentially used in explosives, such as a hand grenade, wires, remote control mechanisms, and batteries.
– Miscellaneous items including a tent, target sheets, and basic camping supplies.

Legal Representation

Advocate Abu Baker Sabaq appeared on behalf of Dr. Ishtiyaq Ahmed and nine other accused, while IO ACP Rahul Vikram participated via video conferencing during the hearing.

The Delhi Police maintains that an extension is critical for concluding the investigation, which spans multiple states and involves complex terror-related charges. The High Court’s decision will determine the next steps in this high-stakes case.

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