Srinagar, July 19: A Special Court in Srinagar granted bail on Friday to Sofi Akbar, the former Secretary of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), who is accused in the “Kashmir Fight” blog case.
After hearing arguments from the prosecution, Special Additional and Sessions Judge Sandeep Gandotra, designated under the NIA Act, ruled that the accused be released on bail upon furnishing bail bonds with one surety amounting to one lakh rupees.
“The application filed by Sofi Mohammad Akbar seeking bail is hereby allowed. The accused is directed to be enlarged on bail provided he furnishes a bail bond of one lakh rupees with two sureties of the same amount,” the Court stated in an order, a copy of which lies with Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
The Court imposed several conditions on Akbar, including mandatory appearance at every court hearing. He is also prohibited from misusing his liberty, contacting witnesses, influencing the investigation, tampering with evidence, and leaving the court’s territorial jurisdiction without prior permission.
On July 7, 2021, Jammu and Kashmir Police charged five persons for running an online blog site that conducted smear campaigns against prominent personalities in Kashmir.
Akbar was granted bail in connection with FIR number 82/2020 under sections 13, 16, 18, and 20 of the UAPA Act at Police Station Kothibagh in Srinagar.–(KDC)
