Photo: Maktoob Media
A Delhi court has rejected the regular bail plea of Popular Front of India (PFI) founding chairman E Abubacker, who is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a case linked to the banned organisation.
Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma dismissed the application, which had sought bail on the grounds of Abubacker's deteriorating health and the alleged absence of a strong case against him.
During the hearing, Abubacker's counsel argued that charges had already been framed, judicial proceedings had been delayed, and his client's health had worsened, Maktoob Media reported.
Opposing the plea, National Investigation Agency (NIA) counsel Rahul Tyagi submitted that the charges were framed on the basis of sufficient evidence and that Abubacker was receiving appropriate medical care in jail.
In an order dated July 15, the court held that there were no grounds to grant bail and dismissed the application.
Last month, the same court directed that charges be framed against 25 PFI members, including senior leaders, and the organisation itself. It observed that there was grave suspicion of a conspiracy to overthrow the Indian government and establish an Islamic caliphate by 2047, and ordered charges under the Indian Penal Code and the UAPA.
Meanwhile, some Muslim groups and rights organisations have alleged that the ban on the PFI and the subsequent prosecutions are part of anti-Muslim policies and politically motivated action by the BJP-led Union government.
Abubacker was arrested by the NIA from his residence on September 22, 2022, shortly after undergoing surgery for oesophagopharyngeal carcinoma. His family has said that he has remained in custody for nearly four years while battling multiple health conditions.
According to his family, Abubacker has recently been suffering from a chest infection, severe cough, fluctuating blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and reduced blood oxygen levels. They also said he had previously been admitted to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in New Delhi because of health concerns.
His family further stated that he underwent cancer surgery in 2020 and has since been living with several ailments, including diabetes with retinopathy, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, coronary artery disease, post-operative oesophagopharyngeal carcinoma, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.