Court extends NIA custody of two accused in Red Fort blast case

A Delhi court on Friday extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of two accused in the Red Fort blast case , allowing investigators more time to question them in connection with the deadly terrorist attack.

Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma granted the NIA ten more days of custody for accused Yasir Ahmed Dar , while co accused Dr Bilal Naseer Malla was remanded to the agency’s custody for another eight days. Media persons were not permitted to cover the proceedings.

According to the NIA, Umar un Nabi , who was driving the explosive laden car that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10, was the alleged mastermind behind the attack. The blast claimed the lives of 15 people and triggered a nationwide security alert.

Dr Malla was arrested in Delhi on December 9 and has been described by the agency as a key conspirator in the case. The NIA has alleged that he knowingly harboured Umar un Nabi and provided logistical support. He is also accused of destroying evidence related to the attack.

Dar, arrested on December 18, is the ninth accused in the case. A resident of Jammu and Kashmir, he is alleged to have been a close associate of Umar un Nabi.

So far, the NIA has arrested nine people in the case, including Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Adeel Rather, and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, as the investigation into the conspiracy continues.