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High Court Denies Bail in Islamic State Terror Case, Citing Robust Prima Facie Evidence

In a significant order reinforcing the stringent bail provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (UAP) Act, the High Court of Karnataka has dismissed a criminal appeal filed by Reeshaan Thajuddin Sheikh, who continues to face trial for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities linked to the proscribed organization, Islamic State.

The Allegations: Radicalization and Planning

The appellant, arrest in early 2023, was accused of participating in a far-reaching criminal conspiracy involving reconnaissance and arson activities in Mangaluru. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the appellant was radicalized by a college associate and played an active role in "waging war against the Government of India."

Investigators alleged that the appellant did not merely harbor ideologies but actively participated in procuring logistics, including a two-wheeler for reconnaissance, and facilitating the transfer of terror funds through cryptocurrency wallets held by himself and acquaintances. The forensic examination of his mobile device reportedly yielded images of critical infrastructure, including electric substations, gas stations, and oil tankers, providing the prosecution with what the Court deemed compelling material evidence.

Arguments from the Crucible of Defense

Counsel for the appellant argued that the prosecution's case rested on "conjunctures and surmises." The defense contended that there was no substantive evidence to link the appellant to the specific ingredients of a terrorist act as defined under Section 15 of the UAP Act. They further suggested that allegations regarding the transfer of cryptocurrency were unsubstantiated and did not constitute the commission of a criminal conspiracy.

Conversely, the NIA, represented by the Special Public Prosecutor, maintained that the charges were rooted in evidence collected via a thorough investigation. They highlighted that the final report had been filed and trial had already commenced, emphasizing that under Section 43D(5) of the UAP Act, the threshold for granting bail is intentionally high when there are reasonable grounds to believe the accusations are prima facie true.

Legal Analysis: The Threshold for Bail

The Division Bench of Justice H.P. Sandesh and Justice Venkatesh Naik T underscored that the bar imposed by Section 43D(5) of the UAP Act is a legislative mandate designed to prevent the release of those involved in activities jeopardizing national security. The Court noted that the trial judge did not err in observing the nexus between the appellant’s actions—specifically the reconnaissance mapping and the digital receipt of terror funding—and the objectives of the Islamic State.

Distinguishing the present facts, the Court held that the forensic evidence recovery provided a "cumulative material" base that satisfied the requirement of proving a prima facie case, thereby precluding the Court from exercising its discretion to grant bail.

Key Observations

The judgment highlighted several pivotal findings regarding the evidence presented:

• "FSL report revealed the images of electric substations, boatyards, gas stations, oil tankers, shops and various locations identified during the reconnaissance by accused No.4."
• "It is evident that accused No.2 played a pivotal role in radicalising and recruiting accused No.4 to further the agenda of the proscribed organisation, Islamic State."
• "Furthermore, it has been established that accused No.4 received funds through Crypto-currency from online handler affiliated with the terrorist outfit and these funds were subsequently utilized to carry out the terrorist activities."
• "The Trial Court having taken note of all these materials and also in the light of the bar imposed by Section 43D(5) of the UAP Act of 1967 comes to the conclusion that Court is precluded from granting bail when prima facie evidence supports the allegations of involvement in terrorist activities."

The Final Ruling

The High Court ultimately found no merit in the appeal for bail, concluding that the trial proceedings, which are already underway, must move forward without interference. In its final order, the Court stated, "The criminal appeal is dismissed."

This decision reaffirms the judiciary's strict stance on bail matters involving national security, emphasizing that where digital forensics and financial trails indicate participation in terror-related preparatory acts, the protective walls of the UAP Act will remain intact until the conclusion of the trial.