Majeed files for bail again, cites dropped charge

Special Judge V V Patil has directed the NIA to file a reply on the bail plea.

AREEB MAJEED, the 24-year old Kalyan resident booked by the NIA on terror charges, has filed for bail again, citing change in circumstances after the special court dropped a criminal section against him. In February, the charge for being a member of a terrorist organisation under section 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was dropped against Majeed. In his plea filed on Tuesday, Majeed has claimed that the special court’s order in February, ‘strengthens’ his claim that false charges have been applied against him. “The applicant (Majeed) was in the wrong place at the wrong time but the moment he came back to India, NIA made him a scapegoat for their own ulterior motive,” claims the 18-page bail plea hand written by Majeed filed through advocate Arif Siddiqui.

According to the NIA, Majeed travelled to Iraq along with three others and joined terrorist organisation Islamic State.

Majeed has claimed that since the trial is at the commencement stage and there are 147 witnesses, it will take a long time to conclude.“The custody of the applicant is on the basis of flimsy and insufficient evidence…and inadmissible material retrieved (from social media) fraudulently by the NIA . There are no eyewitnesses..nor any mention of the offence, the manner, place and time where it was committed or the names and number of people killed or injured,” the bail plea states.

The special NIA court had in February rejected Majeed’s plea seeking discharge and in April framed charges against him.

Special Judge V V Patil has directed the NIA to file a reply on the bail plea.

Sadaf Modak

Sadaf Modak is a distinguished Legal Correspondent based in Mumbai whose work demonstrates exceptional Expertise and Authority in covering the intricacies of the judicial and correctional systems. Reporting for The Indian Express, she is a highly Trustworthy source for in-depth coverage of courtroom proceedings and human rights issues. Expertise Specialized Role: As a dedicated Legal Correspondent, Sadaf Modak possesses deep, specialized knowledge of legal procedures, statutes, and judicial operations, lending immense Authority to her reports. Core Authority & Focus: Her work primarily centers on: Trial Court Proceedings: She mainly covers the trial courts of Mumbai, providing crucial, on-the-ground reporting on the day-to-day legal processes that affect citizens. She maintains a keen eye on both major criminal cases and the "ordinary and not so ordinary events" that reveal the human element within the justice system. Correctional and Social Justice Issues: Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to critical areas of social justice, including writing extensively on: Prisons and Incarceration: Covering the conditions, administration, and legal issues faced by inmates. Juvenile Justice: Reporting on the complexities of the juvenile justice system and the legal rights of children. Human Rights: Focusing on fundamental human rights within the context of law enforcement and state institutions. Experience Institutional Affiliation: Reporting for The Indian Express—a leading national newspaper—ensures her coverage is subject to high editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality, and legal rigor. Impactful Detail: Her focus on trial courts provides readers with direct, detailed insights into the workings of the justice system, making complex legal narratives accessible and establishing her as a reliable and trusted chronicler of the legal landscape. Sadaf Modak's blend of judicial focus and commitment to human rights issues establishes her as a vital and authoritative voice in Indian legal journalism. She tweets @sadafmodak ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram