File photo of Yasin Bhatkal (L) and Asadullah Akhtar
Asadullah Akhtar, an alleged close associate Yasin Bhatkal, the co-founder of banned terror group Indian Mujahideen, was today sent to 15-day custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Hyderabad twin bomb blasts case by a court in the city.
Akhtar was produced by the NIA amid heavy security in the court of First Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge.
After his production, the court first remanded Akhtar to a 30-day judicial custody. The NIA then filed an application seeking 15-day custodial interrogation, saying that he was a part of a larger conspiracy against the country and a threat to the nation.
NIA said there was a need for a thorough interrogation to get more information on his role in terror acts.
After arguments and counter-arguments, the court in the evening allowed the NIA's application, with the condition that he should be examined by doctors every 48-hour and allowed to meet his lawyer once a day.
Mediapersons were not allowed inside the courtroom during the proceedings.
Seventeen people were killed and 100 others were injured in the blasts near Konark and Venkatadiri theatres in Dilsukhnagar, a crowded shopping area in the city, on February 21 this year.
Bhatkal and Asadullah were arrested by security agencies on the Indo-Nepal border last month.