He also argued that being a religious preacher, Hanif used to preach about the teachings of Quraan and Hadith. (Photo: AP)

Mumbai: A special NIA court on Friday rejected a bail application filed by Maulana Mohammed Hanif, who was arrested for allegedly indoctrinating and radicalising 21 Muslim youths to join ISIS.

Hanif’s lawyer, Sharif Shaikh, had argued before the court that there is no evidence that shows Hanif radicalising Muslim youths. He also argued that being a religious preacher, Hanif used to preach about the teachings of Quraan and Hadith, and that it is not an offence to do so. He added that Hanif is not a part of any banned organisation or group.

But special NIA judge V.V. Patil rejected his bail plea. Advocate Shaikh told The Asian Age that the reasons for rejecting bail would be known only after the order copy is ready. He also said that the chargesheet is yet to be filed.