Delhi Police seeks NBW against Shahbaz Ansari, Rehan Ansari in UAPA case
Delhi Police has moved to issue Non-Bailable Warrants against Shahbaz and Rehan Ansari in a high-stakes UAPA case involving illegal arms and extortion.
In a major escalation of a high-profile investigation involving national security, the Delhi Police has moved an application for the issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBW) against Shahbaz Ansari and Rehan Ansari. The move comes as part of an ongoing investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which involves serious allegations of illegal arms supply, extortion, and threats to the nation.
High-Stakes Investigation and Arrests
The investigation has already seen significant breakthroughs, including the arrest of Deepak Nanda, also known as Deepak Khatri. Khatri, who allegedly claimed to be a lawyer for the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was apprehended at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. His arrest followed the initiation of Look Out Circular (LOC) proceedings against him.
The scale of the criminal enterprise is becoming clearer through police findings. According to the investigating agencies, the group was involved in collecting sophisticated weaponry to incite terror. The police revealed that the objective was to use these arms for indiscriminate firing during large public gatherings to create chaos and fear among the general public.
Massive Arms Recovery and Digital Evidence
The Delhi Police have detailed a significant haul of weaponry recovered during the course of this investigation. The seizures include:
- 33 illegal semi-automatic pistols
- 2 submachine guns
- 368 live cartridges
Beyond the physical evidence, the digital trail is proving crucial. During previous remand proceedings, the police emphasized the need to analyze approximately 100 GB of data extracted from the accused's mobile phones. This electronic evidence, along with oral testimonies, has been vital in linking the accused to the alleged crimes.
Legal Proceedings and Court Updates
The case is currently navigating complex legal waters at the Rouse Avenue Court. Special NIA Judge Anu Grover Baliga recently extended the judicial custody of Deepak Nanda and Rishabh Kapoor until October 29. However, due to personal reasons, the Special Judge has recused herself from the hearing and directed that the main case file be transferred to the Principal District and Sessions Judge (PDSJ) of Rouse Avenue.
The transfer process has faced administrative shifts, as the previous PDSJ, Dinesh Bhatt, has been elevated to the Delhi High Court. The court has ordered that the application for the warrants be placed before the PDSJ on October 5, 2026, alongside the request to transfer the case to a competent jurisdiction.
The Scope of the Chargesheet
The investigation has already led to the arrest of 20 individuals. On August 24, 2026, the police filed a chargesheet against 18 arrested accused persons and named one absconding kingpin, Shehbaz Ansari. The allegations are being treated with extreme gravity, as they pertain to UAPA violations and direct threats to national security.
In a separate development related to the accused Deepak Khatri, the Uttar Pradesh Police have also registered a case against him after his law degree was allegedly discovered to be fake, following a complaint from a university.