A Nagpur court has acquitted eight Muslim men who were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2006 for alleged links with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
Those cleared of charges are Shakil Warsi, Shakir Ahmed Nasir Ahmed, Mohammad Rehan Atullakhan, Jiyaur Rahman Maheboob Khan, Wakar Baig Yusuf Baig, Imtiyaj Ahmed, Nisar Ahmed, Mohammad Abrar Arif Mohammad Kashim and Sheikh Ahmad Sheikh. The acquittal order, passed by Judicial Magistrate A.K. Bankar on August 13, was made public on Friday.
The men had been accused of being members of an unlawful association under Section 10 of UAPA and engaging in unlawful activities under Section 13. They were granted bail during the prolonged trial.
The police had claimed to have “confidential information” linking the accused to SIMI activities. However, the court found no evidence to substantiate the charges.
“Mere possession of literature or documents allegedly connected to unlawful association without proof of active intent or participation, does not meet the threshold laid down in the law,” the court observed.
The judge further noted that none of the prosecution witnesses had “made a whisper” about the alleged offences, undermining the police case.
