Gujarat HC, Surat Court Bomb Threat Case: Accused Sent to Remand Till September 13

Police have secured remand of Ashfaq and Rajesh alias Raj till September 13 in connection with the threat to blow up court premises, as investigators examine whether the duo is linked to recent threats received by schools and airports.

The two accused were arrested after police launched an investigation into the court bomb threat and were subsequently produced before the court with a remand application. After hearing both sides, the court granted police custody of the accused till September 13.

Both suspects were identified in Surat jail, according to the police.

Police Seek Access To Deleted Mobile Data

During the remand hearing, the government prosecutor told the court that Ashfaq has a previous criminal history and that a detailed investigation is required into the email account allegedly used to send the court threat.

Police want to establish who created the email ID, who operated it and the purpose behind sending the threatening message.

Investigators also told the court that important data had been deleted from the mobile phone allegedly used in the offence. A forensic examination of the device is expected to be carried out to recover older data and identify communications relevant to the case.

Probe Into School And Airport Threats

Police had sought 10 days of remand, citing the need to determine whether the accused have any connection with threats recently received by schools and airports.

Investigators are also examining whether other people were involved in the alleged conspiracy.

The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was required to collect technical evidence and establish the wider network, if any, behind the threats.

Defence Opposes Police Remand

The defence opposed the remand plea, arguing that both accused had cooperated with investigators and had already provided the information available to them.

Their lawyer submitted that the accused had been in police custody for around 24 hours and that their physical presence was not necessary for the technical investigation sought by the police.

After considering the arguments from both sides, the court cited the seriousness of the offence and the need to collect technical evidence while granting police remand till September 13.