Delhi court sentences Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment A Delhi court on March 24, 2026, sentenced Asiya Andrabi, a prominent Kashmiri separatist and leader of the Dukhtaran-e-Millat group, to life imprisonment for her role in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case. The verdict was announced by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh after the conclusion of the sentencing arguments. Andrabi was convicted for her involvement in activities deemed terrorist under the UAPA, which includes charges related to membership in a terrorist organization and supporting such groups. The court also sentenced two of Andrabi’s associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, to 30 years in prison for their roles in the same case. The three women were previously convicted on January 14, 2026, under multiple charges, including UAPA Sections 20, 38, and 39, which address membership in terrorist organizations and support for such groups. Additionally, they were found guilty under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for offenses such as promoting enmity between different groups (Section 153A), making imputations prejudicial to national integration (Section 153B), criminal conspiracy (Section 120B), and statements that incite public mischief (Section 505). A separate charge under Section 121A of the IPC, which pertains to conspiracy to commit offenses against the state, was also levied against them. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously sought life imprisonment for Andrabi, arguing that her actions constituted a direct threat to national security. The agency emphasized that her alleged efforts to wage war against India necessitated the harshest penalty to deter future acts of conspiracy against the state.#national_investigation_agency #unlawful_activities_prevention_act #asiya_andrabi #delhi_court #dukhtaran_e_millat
Delhi court sentences Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in UAPA case, two associates get 30-year jail terms A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh delivered the order after hearing arguments on the quantum of sentence. Two co-accused, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also sentenced to 30 years in prison. The three had been convicted earlier on January 14 under UAPA Sections 20, 38, and 39, which address membership of and support to a terrorist organisation. They were also found guilty under several Indian Penal Code (IPC) provisions, including Section 153A (promoting enmity), 153B (prejudicial to national integration), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 505 (public mischief), and 121A (conspiracy against the State). During the sentencing, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) advocated for life imprisonment for Andrabi, arguing that she had waged war against India. The agency emphasized the need to send a clear message that conspiring against the State would result in the harshest penalties. The court’s decision aligns with the NIA’s stance, reflecting the gravity of the charges and the perceived threat posed by the accused. The conviction marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against Andrabi and her associates, who were linked to activities related to Kashmir secession. The sentences underscore the Indian government’s approach to addressing cases under the UAPA, which grants authorities broad powers to prosecute individuals involved in terrorism or separatist movements. The ruling also highlights the intersection of national security concerns and legal accountability in cases involving organized dissent.#unlawful_activities_prevention_act #asiya_andrabi #delhi_court #sofi_fehmeeda #nahida_nasreen
NIA Court Rejects Discharge Plea of Aakif Nachan in Pune ISIS Recruitment Case A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai has denied a plea by Aakif Nachan to discharge him in connection with the Pune ISIS recruitment and radicalisation module. The court stated that Nachan was allegedly actively involved in radicalising youth and providing logistical support to suspects wanted in other states for terrorist activities. The prosecution alleged that Nachan played a role in recruiting youths and training them in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms. According to the prosecution, Nachan and his associates, under the direction of foreign-based ISIS handlers, shared materials including DIY kits to further the group's objectives. The court noted that the suspects also created media content published in the magazine Voice of Hind to promote the activities of the proscribed organisation. Nachan, however, claimed he had been falsely implicated and argued that no evidence existed to prove his involvement. His legal counsel contended that mere communication with a co-suspect would not constitute criminal liability under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) without sufficient proof of actual participation. The court rejected Nachan's defense, emphasizing that his actions—such as distributing materials to radicalise Muslim youths—constituted abetting ISIS's goal of establishing a Khilafat. The court highlighted that the evidence presented "prima facie falsify the claim of this accused that he is a law-abiding citizen and is innocent." It also noted that Nachan was a close aide to Saquib Nachan, the self-styled "Amir-e-Hind" of ISIS, further underscoring his alleged role in the organisation's activities.#nial_court #aakif_nachan #pune_isis_recruitment_case #voice_of_hind #unlawful_activities_prevention_act
