An accused in the Pulwama attack conspiracy case has been granted bail on account of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) failing to file a chargesheet within the prescribed statutory period. An NIA court in Delhi’s Patiala House pronounced this order on February 18, 2020, noting that the accused, Yusuf Chopan, was entitled to statutory bail.
The application for bail was moved on the grounds that Chopan had been in custody for around 180 days and the investigating agency is yet to file a chargesheet despite the time for doing so having elapsed. NIA conceded that the period for investigation regarding Chopan elapsed on February 11, 2020 and no chargesheet was filed due to the “want of sufficient evidence”. It was also informed that further probe was being conducted by the agency.
Judge Praveen Singh accepted the accused’s argument and allowed the bail application subject to furnishing of a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety of the like amount. He has also been directed to co-operate with investigation and produce himself before court as and when required. Additionally, he shall not commit any similar offence, induce or influence any person capable of providing information with regard to the case or tamper with the evidence.
On February 14, 2019 a car full of explosives rammed into a CRPF bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama district resulting in 40 CRPF personnel losing their lives. Banned terror group, Jaish-e- Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video of the suicide bomber who carried it out.JNF