The Delhi High Court has rejected the bail plea of Mansoor Asghar Peerbhoy, an alleged operative of the Indian Mujahideen, regarding the 2008 Delhi serial blasts. The court pointed to his alleged critical role in handling communications and propaganda for the group as a reason for its decision.
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday declined the bail appeal of Mansoor Asghar Peerbhoy, who remains in custody in connection with the 2008 Delhi serial blasts. A division bench composed of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain oversaw the proceedings, reviewing the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
Court Focuses on Technological Role
The court’s decision was largely influenced by the nature of the allegations regarding Peerbhoy's technical involvement in the conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged that the accused, a software engineer, functioned as the head of the media cell for the Indian Mujahideen. According to the case records, he was responsible for drafting and distributing a claim email—titled 'Message of Death'—just minutes before the coordinated explosions occurred across the capital.
Judges observed that such activities required specialized skills and noted that Peerbhoy appeared to be at the center of the group's technological operations. This included the alleged use of unsecured Wi-Fi networks to send communications aimed at masking the identities of those involved in the attacks, which resulted in 26 fatalities and over 100 injuries.
Background of Legal Proceedings
Mansoor Asghar Peerbhoy was initially arrested in October 2008 by the Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad and was later transferred to the custody of the Delhi Police Special Cell. He currently faces charges under multiple legal frameworks, including the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Information Technology Act.
While the defense had sought relief, the court determined that the severity of the charges and the evidence concerning his alleged role in facilitating the propaganda and communication systems of the banned organization justified the denial of bail. The case remains under legal scrutiny as the judicial process continues regarding his alleged involvement in the broader conspiracy.