Bail Application of Pulwama Attack Suspect Turned Down by Judge Prem Sagar

On August 22, the Special NIA court in Jammu dismissed the bail request of the Pulwama terrorist suspect, Insha Jan, also known as Insha Tariq. The 15‑page order, authored by Judge Prem Sagar, stated that the strength of the prosecution's case, coupled with the safeguards under UAPA section 43‑D(5), justified keeping the accused in custody. The accused was arrested on March 3, 2020 together with her father, Pir Tariq Ahmad Shah. She is charged under the Ranbir Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act. The NIA alleges that she maintained constant communication with Pakistani terrorists Mohammad Umar Farooq and Mohammad Kamran Ali, who orchestrated the Pulwama strike, and facilitated logistical support for the Jihad‑e‑Mohammad group. The defence argued that Insha has been detained for more than six years, suffers from chronic skin ailments, cervical spondylosis and persistent headaches, and that the trial is progressing slowly with only 49 out of 240 witnesses examined. The court, however, found the arguments insufficient to merit bail.