Delhi High Court Seeks NIA Response on ISIS Linked Cadre's Plea

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding a plea by Rameez Ahmad Lone, alleged ISIS cadre, challenging his bail rejection. Arrested in 2021, Lone, along with others, faces charges under multiple sections, accused of radicalizing youth through online propaganda.

In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has ordered the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to respond to a petition filed by Rameez Ahmad Lone, allegedly an ISIS cadre, questioning the rejection of his bail plea. Delivered by a division bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma, the notice compels the NIA to provide clarity on this matter by January 15, 2025.

Lone's legal troubles began when he, along with two alleged ISIS associates, were apprehended on July 11, 2021. This followed a case registration by the NIA in June of the same year. Charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Lone is accused of being part of a scheme to recruit and radicalize youth for ISIS's cause of violent jihad against India through the online publication 'Voice of Hind'.

The NIA's investigation unearthed incriminating evidence, including digital devices and ISIS-branded apparel, suggesting the accused were active cyber propagandists. Despite the prosecution's claims, Lone's plea argues the NIA's evidence lacks concrete witness testimony linking him to harboring ISIS operatives, bringing into question the integrity of the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)