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Delhi High Court rejects bail plea of two Indian Mujahideen members
The Delhi High Court refused bail to Mohd Saquib Ansari and Waqar Azhar, two men accused of operating the Indian Mujahideen's Rajasthan module. The bench cited their links to IM leadership in India and Pakistan, ongoing jihadi activity, and large seizure materials as grounds to deny bail, noting they were flight risks and could influence witnesses. The verdict was delivered on April 24, 2026.
Why It Matters
This ruling sustains the criminal case against the Rajasthan module of a banned terrorist organization and signals the court's stance on flight risk and potential witness tampering in terrorism-related prosecutions.
Timeline
6 Events
FIR and subsequent cases noted
April 24, 2026
The court noted that the Delhi Police Special Cell FIR is the parent FIR, with Jaipur and Jodhpur cases registered subsequently.
Parity grounds rejected
April 24, 2026
The court rejected the ground of parity, noting that material seized from Mohd Maroof differed from that seized from the two appellants (the latter included explosive material), and thus parity could not be claimed.
Delhi High Court bail denial verdict
April 24, 2026
The Delhi High Court bench refused bail to the two men, noting they were in touch with Indian Mujahideen leadership in India and Pakistan, had spread jihadi material and trained in making bombs, and that the seizures in Jaipur and Jodhpur included chemicals, electronic equipment, IED components, arms, detonators and digital devices with potential to cause significant damage. The court also found them to be flight risks and capable of influencing witnesses. During interrogation, they admitted to being IM members and in contact with Riyaz Bhatkal, Waqas and Tehsin Akhtar, and police alleged plans for a Delhi attack under leadership directions, with modules in Bharatpur, Sikar and Jodhpur, including alleged attempts to manufacture poison for poisoned letters.
Arrests and charging of two men
March 2014
Mohd Saquib Ansari and Waqar Azhar were arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in March 2014 and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
Mass arrest linked to IM case
November 2011
Subsequently, 18 individuals including Yasin Bhatkal were arrested, and large quantities of explosives, chemicals, arms, and ammunition were seized.
Origin of the case
November 2011
Police apprehended an Indian Mujahideen member in November 2011, which led to the identification of several others.