NIA court denies bail to Pulwama attack accused Insha Jan

A special NIA court has rejected the bail plea of Insha Jan, an accused in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel. The court cited the ongoing trial and the risk that she could influence key prosecution witnesses if released. The judge also held that the statutory bar under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act prevented bail at this stage.

The court directed jail authorities to provide medical care for the accused and submit a compliance report every fortnight. The defence had argued for bail citing prolonged incarceration of over six years, a slow trial, and health conditions including chronic dermatological problems and cervical spondylosis. The NIA opposed bail, calling Jan a highly motivated terror associate who facilitated safe shelter for Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives.

Both sources report that charges were framed in December 2022. The Times of India notes 49 of 240 witnesses have been examined, while The Hindu adds that the NIA cited WhatsApp calls and photos linking Jan to Pakistani terrorist Muhammad Umar Farooq. The court found the medical condition not life-threatening and the accusations prima facie true.