Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: In a significant development in a decades-old case, a Special Judge NIA Prem Sagar, remanded Shabir Ahmed Shah, son of Ghulam Mohd Shah, resident of Anantnag and presently at Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, to 10 days’ police custody in connection with NIA case RC-01/2026/NIA/JMU.
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The accused was produced before the court by CIO NIA DySP Ankit Rohilla, who sought custody for further investigation into the 1996 Naaz Crossing mob violence case.
After examining the case diary and hearing submissions of the prosecution, the court observed that the accused was prima facie involved in serious offences punishable under Sections 147, 148, 336, 341, 307, 332 and 427 RPC, along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sections 7/27 of the Arms Act.
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) informed the court that the investigation is at a crucial stage and additional evidence is being collected. It was submitted that the agency has formally written to CID Kashmir and Doordarshan Kashmir (DD Kashmir) seeking archival footage and other material related to the incident dated July 17, 1996.
According to the prosecution, during the course of investigation, the accused admitted his presence at Naaz Crossing at the time of the incident and allegedly led the mob along with other Hurriyat leaders. However, he has not disclosed the identity of the terrorists involved despite repeated questioning.
The court, while granting custody till May 6, 2026, directed the Investigating Officer to expedite the probe and strictly adhere to provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) concerning custodial procedures.
Further, the court directed that the accused be medically examined every 48 hours and that the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in landmark judgments including Arnesh Kumar, Satinder Kumar Antil, and D.K. Basu be strictly followed.
The case, linked to alleged mob violence in Srinagar in 1996, has resurfaced with renewed investigative focus by the NIA, indicating a deeper probe into the larger conspiracy behind the incident.
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