Court grants bail to jawan arrested for possessing hand grenades at Srinagar airport

A local court on Tuesday granted bail to the Army jawan who was arrested on Monday for possession of hand grenades in baggage at the International Airport. The jawan was later handed over to Army.

Bhopal Mukhiya was arrested at the Srinagar International Airport while he was on his way to catch a flight to Delhi on Monday.

Granting interim bail to the accused, the court in Budgam handed over Mukhiya to army authorities, who had moved an application to this effect, officials said.

The army authorities have informed the court that Mukhiya’s custody was required by them for investigating the case, they added.

The court has listed the case for next hearing on April 6.

The soldier, who is posted with 17 JAK Rifles at Boniyar in Uri sector of Baramulla district, was arrested on Monday after security officials found two hand grenades in his baggage during screening at the main gate of the airport.

Also read: Army Jawan arrested from Srinagar airport for carrying two grenades, investigation on

Mukhiya reportedly told the security officials that a superior officer had handed over the grenades to him with the instructions to hand it over to a person at Delhi airport.

The security officials are likely to question the officer named by the accused soldier in connection with the recovery of grenades, the officials said.

Army officials refused to comment on the developments in the case saying the investigation was underway.

On Monday, a defence spokesman said action as per the due process of law would be taken.