Mumbai: Observing that allegations were grave and posed threat to national security, the Bombay High Court on Friday refused to grant bail to Allahrakha Abu Bakar Manoori, who was arrested for allegedly assisting others in terrorist activities.
A division bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and S M Modak dismissed Manoori’s bail plea, despite his argument that he had been in custody for seven years. The court noted that if convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. “It is quite clear that, on merits, the matter is quite serious and there is sufficient material against the accused,” the bench stated.
According to the prosecution, Manoori was allegedly tasked with providing vehicles to individuals trained in Pakistan for carrying out bomb blasts. He was also accused of supplying arms to other accused persons involved in the case.
The court considered evidence from Manoori’s mobile phone, including WhatsApp chats with co-accused Farooq between February 17 and March 16, 2018, allegedly discussing weapon transport from Surat, Gujarat, to Mumbai for terrorist activities.
Investigators retrieved 13 images of motorcycles, six of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation tanks, and reconnaissance photos. Deleted data contained images of firearms, an ISIS flag, and 22 WhatsApp chat screenshots with Farooq.
Further investigation showed Manoori used the ‘Hike’ app to send images of target locations. His email had 227 screenshots and other data copied onto a DVD. His map search history included areas around Pakistan (April 17, 2018), Kandla International Container Terminal (April 2, 2018), and Dwarka and Gir Somnath (October 22, 2017). He also searched YouTube for “Syria live” and visited “Burma rights” pages.
The court noted that the trial was already at an advanced stage, with 29 witnesses examined so far. The prosecution assured the court that the trial would be completed by the end of December 2025. “The trial has already progressed substantially and the prosecution intends to complete it by the end of December 2025,” the bench observed.
Given the gravity of the allegations and the evidence against Manoori, the court ruled that he could not be released on bail. “The allegations pertain to acts which are a threat to the security of the country. The gravity of the offence cannot be overlooked,” it stated, dismissing his appeal.
It noted that the trial in the case has progressed substantially and the prosecution intends to complete it by this yearend.
