Court Rejects CBI Remand Plea a Day After Arrest in Rubaiya Sayeed Abduction Case

December 4, 2025

Jammu and Kashmir: A court has rejected the remand plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) just a day after it arrested a Kashmiri man in connection with the abduction of Rubaiya Sayeed. The case dates back to 1989 and is one of the most sensitive kidnapping cases in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rubaiya Sayeed, the daughter of former Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, was abducted by militants in December 1989. She was later released after the then government freed several jailed militants. The incident had a major impact on the security situation in Kashmir at that time.

CBI Arrests Accused After Decades

On Monday, the CBI arrested a Kashmiri man, claiming he was involved in the planning and execution of the abduction. The agency produced him before a local court and sought his custody for further questioning. The CBI argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover more details about the case, identify other people involved, and understand the wider conspiracy.

The arrest came after years of investigation, during which the case remained largely cold. The CBI had taken over the probe earlier and later reopened it, questioning several former militants and witnesses over the years.

Court’s Decision

On Tuesday, the court rejected the CBI’s request for remand. The judge said the agency failed to give strong grounds to justify custodial interrogation at this stage. The court noted that the incident happened more than three decades ago and that the accused had already been questioned earlier during the investigation.

The court instead sent the accused to judicial custody, which means he will remain in jail but not under direct questioning by the CBI unless fresh permission is granted.

What Happens Next

The rejection of the remand plea is seen as a setback for the investigating agency. However, the case is still open, and the CBI can continue its investigation by collecting documents, questioning other witnesses, and reviewing old evidence.

Legal experts say that proving such old cases is difficult due to the passage of time, lack of fresh evidence, and fading memories of witnesses. Still, the agency maintains that it is committed to taking the case to its logical end.

The case continues to draw public attention because of its historical significance and its role in shaping the course of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.