Fasih not in Indian agency custody: Govt

“Now this is a question of diplomacy. We have been writing letters,” Banerji told a Bench of Justices K S Radhakrishnan and J S Khehar.

To a question from the Bench if Fasih was alive or not,the ASG said,“We have no knowledge as they (Saudi authorities) are not saying anything.” He said there would be “some information” within 10 days.

Appearing for Fasih’s wife Nikhat Parveen,who has filed a habeas corpus plea in the apex court seeking directions to the Government of India and others to produce Fasih,advocate Naushad Ahmad Khan said foul play could not be ruled out.

“Ultimately,I (Fasih) am an Indian. Who will rescue me…. Karnataka government has access to his employment information. From where did they get it?” he asked.

Earlier,Banerji again said a Red Corner Notice (RCN) issued in the last week of May was pending against Fasih for alleged anti-national activities. The RCN says Fasih is a member of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and is wanted for the German Bakery,Pune,blast on February 13,2010,Chinnaswami Stadium,Bangalore,blast on April 17,2010 and Jama Masjid,Delhi,shootout and blast on September 19,2010.

On the last hearing,the court was informed that several cases under various sections of the Indian Penal Code,including criminal conspiracy,waging or attempting to wage war against India,and Explosives Substances Act and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act have been lodged against Fasih after revelations by suspects nabbed for their role in the blasts.

After hearing both the sides,the Bench adjourned the hearing to July and asked the Centre to apprise it of the developments through an affidavit.