Srinagar, July 16 (JKNS): In a major breakthrough against narco-terrorism and cross-border terror financing, the Special NIA Court has ordered the framing of charges in a landmark case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, clearing the way for the trial of members of an alleged Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) syndicate accused of funding terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through narcotics smuggling.
In a major breakthrough in the fight against narco-terrorism and cross-border terrorism, the competent Court has ordered framing of charges in FIR No. 19/2022 of Police Station SIA Kashmir, paving the way for commencement of trial against members of a Pakistan-backed narco-terror syndicate that financed terrorist activities in Jammu & Kashmir through proceeds generated from narcotics smuggling, read sthe SIA statement issued by the spokesperson as per news agency JKNS.
The case was registered in October 2022 on the basis of credible intelligence regarding a highly organised cross-border conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers of the proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Investigation conducted by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, established that the syndicate smuggled narcotic substances across the Line of Control into Jammu & Kashmir and channelised the illicit proceeds for financing terrorism, sustaining terrorist infrastructure and strengthening the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.
During an extensive investigation, SIA Kashmir uncovered the larger conspiracy and identified the involvement of 16 accused persons, including four Pakistan/PoJK-based terrorist handlers. The arrested accused include Rubeena Nazir Malik, Ishfaq Ahmad Mir, Mudasir Ahmed Poswal, Safeer Ahmad Mughal, Mohammad Rashid Thakkar, Mohammad Rayaz Lohar, Javid Iqbal Thakkar alias Raja Thakkar, Abdul Rashid Mir, Abdul Rashid Bhat and Basharat Ali Poswal.
According to SIA, all the above accused have been arrested, while Sageer Ahmad Poswal, son of Nazir Ahmad Poswal, a resident of Amrohi Arna, Kupwara, is absconding.
The Pakistan/PoJK-based accused, who have been declared proclaimed offenders and are absconding, include Tariq Ahmad Malik Dilawar, son of Mohammad Ramzan.
The other absconding accused are Alif-ud-Din Badana, son of Ghulam-ud-Din Badana, a resident of Amrohi, Karnah, Kupwara, presently in Pakistan; Mushtaq Ahmad Naik alias Usman Bhai, son of Ghulam Nabi Naik, a resident of Kundan, Khari, Ramban, presently in Pakistan; and Firdous Ahmad Dar alias Umer Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar, a resident of Harwan, Sopore, Baramulla, presently in Pakistan.
SIA Kashmir further stated that one accused, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik alias Rahee, son of Mohammad Yousuf Malik, a resident of Panzipora, Sopore, Baramulla, was killed in an encounter.
The agency has filed six comprehensive charge sheets against all sixteen accused. The investigation also resulted in the arrest of three proclaimed offenders who had been evading arrest.
The Hon’ble Special Court, after hearing the prosecution in detail, has ordered framing of charges against the ten available accused under stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Indian Penal Code, including offences relating to waging war against the Government of India, conspiracy to wage war, terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organisations, membership and support to terrorist organisations, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and forgery.
The order framing charges marks a decisive stage in the prosecution and reflects the strength of the evidence collected by SIA Kashmir during the investigation. The trial will now proceed with the recording of prosecution evidence before the competent Court.
SIA Kashmir said it continues to pursue legal proceedings against the absconding Pakistan/PoJK-based accused in accordance with law.
Simultaneously, proceedings for attachment and forfeiture of properties linked to terrorist activities under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are also being pursued.
The agency said the successful investigation and the framing of charges reaffirm SIA Kashmir’s commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of terrorism by targeting the nexus between narcotics trafficking and cross-border terrorism and ensuring that every individual involved in financing, facilitating or supporting terrorist activities is brought to justice. (JKNS)
