The District and Sessions Judge Court in Cuttack acquitted Abdur Rehman on Tuesday in a case related to alleged links with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), an affiliate of the terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda, citing a lack of sufficient evidence against him.

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The verdict brought an end to a case that had remained under legal scrutiny for nearly a decade.

Abdur Rehman was arrested in 2016 from Jagatpur Paschimakachha area of Cuttack district by the Delhi Crime Branch during an operation linked to suspected extremist activities. Investigators had then claimed that he was associated with AQIS, a terror outfit active in parts of South Asia.

Following the arrest, multiple allegations were raised regarding the accused Rehman’s possible involvement and communication with members connected to the banned organisation. The case drew attention due to the alleged interstate terror network angle and the involvement of national investigative agencies.

However, during the course of the suspected operative’s trial, the prosecution reportedly failed to present adequate evidence to establish the charges beyond doubt. After examining available records, witness statements, and investigation materials, the district and sessions judge acquitted Rehman of all charges.

The judgment highlights the importance of strong evidence in criminal cases, especially in matters related to national security and terrorism. Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the principle that convictions cannot be based solely on suspicion or allegations without credible proof.

“In 2016, the Jagatpur Police Station IIC had registered a suo motu FIR. Under Sections 18, 19, 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 124 of the Indian Penal Code, a case was registered against him (Rehman). The case was subsequently handed over to the Crime Branch. Following the Crime Branch investigation, a chargesheet was filed against him. After the case proceeded for 12 long years, finally today, the Cuttack district court acquitted him due to lack of evidence,” the defence counsel said.

“There were three cases. First, an NIA case was filed against him in New Delhi. Then, cases were filed in Cuttack and Jamshedpur. He has already been acquitted in Jamshedpur. Today, he was acquitted in Cuttack. And in the New Delhi case, he had been sentenced to seven years, which he has already served,” the defence counsel stated.

“Crime Branch had provided 46 witnesses. Since these witnesses could not properly present evidence, he was acquitted today. He had allegedly opened a Madrasa and was recruiting children for Al-Qaeda. The anti-crime agency could not present evidence against Rahman. Also, the required sanction under the UAPA Act was not there. The case was dismissed on technical grounds and lack of evidence,” the lawyer added.