The case was transferred to the SIA in July 2023, due to concerns of interference and intimidation in Srinagar. Mian Qayoom was arrested on June 25, 2024, as the principal conspirator behind Qadri’s killing, allegedly via terrorists of The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Qayoom’s habeas corpus petition and his challenges to the arrest and remand process in the instant case were dismissed by the Jammu & Kashmir High Court in February 2025, reaffirming the legal propriety of the arrest and investigation.
The court formally framed charges against Mian Abdul Qayoom under Sections 16, 18, and 38 of UAPA. The accused was represented by Senior Advocates R.A. Jan and Z.A. Qureshi, along with Advocate Zulkernain Sheikh. The prosecution was led by a battery of Special Public Prosecutors and assisted by Pairvi Officer appearing for the SIA.
