Mohali (Rajeev Sharma): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken a significant step in its investigation against Pakistan-based terror accused Shahzad Bhatti, with a special NIA court in Mohali issuing an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) in connection with the grenade attack on the residence of Jalandhar-based social media influencer Navdeep Singh, popularly known as Roger Sandhu.
The court noted that Bhatti has remained absconding despite the ongoing investigation and ruled that issuing summons or a bailable warrant would not be sufficient to secure his appearance. Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the court approved the issuance of a non-bailable warrant that will remain valid until the accused is apprehended.
According to the NIA, intelligence inputs suggest that Bhatti is currently based in Brazil, where he is allegedly operating and coordinating activities linked to anti-India terror networks. Investigators believe he has continued to evade Indian authorities while remaining active from overseas.
Officials say the latest court order strengthens the agency’s legal case for approaching Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice against Bhatti. Such a notice would alert law enforcement agencies across member countries and could facilitate his detention and extradition to India, subject to international legal procedures.
The warrant has been issued as part of the probe into the grenade attack targeting the residence of influencer Roger Sandhu in Jalandhar. The NIA is investigating the incident for its suspected links to cross-border terror operatives and foreign-based handlers.
Legal experts believe the issuance of an open-dated NBW is an important milestone in cases involving fugitives operating from outside India. Similar legal measures have previously been adopted against internationally wanted terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar.
The NIA has stated that the investigation is continuing and that efforts are underway to identify all individuals connected to the conspiracy behind the attack.
