Srinagar Court acquits Budgam man in UAPA case

Budgam, Sep 22: A Srinagar court designated under the National Investigation Agency Act has acquitted a Budgam man in a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act and the Indian Penal Code, holding that the prosecution failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, Manjeet Rai acquitted Zahid Ahmad Mir, a resident of the Aripanthan area of Beerwah in Budgam, of charges under Sections 13, 18, 23 and 39 of the UAPA, Sections 3 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and Section 201 of the IPC.
The court held that the material produced by the prosecution could raise suspicion but was insufficient to meet the required standard of proof. The judgment also recorded that the investigating officer admitted during cross-examination that no evidence had been obtained connecting the accused with any organization or conspiracy.
The court noted the absence of call detail records, social media material, witnesses, documents or other circumstances establishing such a connection.
The court accordingly acquitted the accused by extending to him the benefit of doubt and directed that he be released from Central Jail, Srinagar, if not required in any other case. He was also directed to furnish bail bonds of Rs 50,000 with one surety under Section 437-A of the CrPC to secure his appearance before the appellate court, if required.
The case involved allegations under multiple provisions of the UAPA and Explosive Substances Act, but the court found that the prosecution evidence did not meet the threshold required for conviction. [KNT]