India, Oct. 28 -- A special court on Monday rejected the interim bail plea of Jakir Hussain Sabirali Shaikh aka Zakir Hussain Shaikh, an accused in a terror conspiracy case allegedly funded from Pakistan to attack politicians who spoke against muslims. Money trail and communication evidence show his connections with fugitive gangsters Chhota Shakeel and Dawood Ibrahim, the court said.

Special Judge Chakor S. Baviskar, who presides over cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), observed that the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had gathered sufficient material showing money transfers, communications, and links between Shaikh and handlers abroad, indicating a prima facie case of conspiracy to target political leaders, includin...