(a) whether the investigations into the hijacking of flight IC-814 to Kandhar by the CBI has almost reached a dead end;
(b) if so, whether the CBI is facing some difficulties in the process of investigation;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government to remove these hurdles; and
(d) the current status of the investigations?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY )
(a) No, Sir. After investigation of the case, CBI filed a chargesheet against 10 accused - 5 hijackers, who are Pakistani Nationals, two other Pakistani Nationals for their role in the conspiracy and 3 other persons. CBI is conducting further investigation, with the permission of the Court, to apprehend 7 Pakistani Nationals to get evidence relating to larger conspiracy, if any.
(b) to (d) CBI is facing difficulties in securing presence of the 7 Pakistani nationals. They have been declared as absconders and Red Corner Notices have been issued against each of them. CBI is further facing difficulty in tracing Taliban leaders/functionaries who are suspected to have been involved in the conspiracy along with the hijackers. The case is covered under the Section 173(8) CRPC.