Delhi Court Sends Advocate Deepak Nanda and Rishabh Kapoor to Judicial Custody in High‑Profile UAPA Probe

A Delhi court on Saturday ordered that advocate Deepak Nanda – who also goes by Deepak Khatri – and fellow accused Rishabh Kapoor be kept in judicial custody until 1 October. The decision came after both men spent three days in police lock‑up as part of a sprawling investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Special Judge Prashant Sharma, hearing arguments from the prosecution and defence, said the investigation was still very much ongoing. The police had asked for a 27‑day judicial remand, arguing that they needed more time to sift through the massive trove of electronic data and witness statements that had been collected so far.

In his written order, the judge noted that the case file contained oral testimonies and electronic evidence that pointed to the accused’s involvement in an alleged illegal arms supply and extortion racket. Given the gravity of the charges – which touch on national security – he agreed that further judicial custody was warranted.

Both Nanda and Kapoor will be kept in separate cells, with the jail superintendent instructed to take extra precautions for their safety. Their next appearance before the court will be via video‑conference on 1 October.

Background: Deepak Nanda, a lawyer said to be part of the legal team for notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport on 25 August. The following day, the Rouse Avenue court granted the police three days of police custody. Rishabh Kapoor was arrested on 2 September and similarly handed over to police for three days.

According to Delhi Police, the investigation has so far led to the arrest of 20 suspects and the seizure of 33 semi‑automatic pistols, two sub‑machine guns and 368 live cartridges. A chargesheet filed on 24 August names 18 of those arrested and also mentions an absconding kingpin, Shahbaz Ansari.

The police claim the weapon cache was being assembled to create terror at large public gatherings. They also allege that Nanda disclosed, during interrogation, his role in an international terror module allegedly run by Shahbaz Ansari and his associates.

The case, which also invokes the Extortion Act and the Arms Act, underscores the authorities’ concern over a possible threat to national security. As the investigation continues, the court has made it clear that the accused will remain in custody until the investigative work is completed.