Srinagar, Aug 17 (JKNS): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested a narco-terror operative who had been absconding for nearly four years, in a major breakthrough in its investigation into an alleged cross-LoC narcotics smuggling and terror-financing network operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Spokesperson in a statement issued here to news agency JKNS, SIA Kashmir has achieved a significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem operating in Jammu & Kashmir with the arrest of an absconding operative who had been evading arrest for nearly four years.
In a major success, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu, S/o P.K. Bhat, R/o Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, in a special operation conducted in Jammu. The accused is wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022 of SIA Kashmir, registered on 03.06.2022, concerning the smuggling of narcotics from across the LoC and the alleged channelisation of proceeds from their sale towards financing terrorist activities.
The arrest is an important development in the investigation of a wider narco-terror conspiracy allegedly backed by Pakistan/PoK-based operatives of the terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The investigation has brought to light a sinister nexus in which narcotics are allegedly trafficked into J&K, distributed through an established network, and the proceeds generated from their sale are subsequently pumped into activities intended to sustain and further the terrorist ecosystem.
Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu was evading arrest for almost 04 years since the registration of the case. His apprehension is the result of sustained and strenuous efforts by SIA Kashmir, involving continuous technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures.
The arrested accused is alleged to have played a role in facilitating the sale and distribution network of narcotics in the Jammu division, thereby contributing to the financial pipeline of the larger narco-terror network.
The investigation has also established linkages with Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo @ Kandoo, S/o Ab. Khaliq Kandoo, R/o Kralteng, Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, S/o Late Ab. Majeed Khan, R/o Braman Panzala, Baramulla. These individuals have arranged and facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through the network operating within J&K.
The investigation assumes particular significance in view of the established pattern of narco-terror financing, wherein proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking are allegedly diverted towards sustaining terrorist activities.
The case demonstrates the manner in which the terror ecosystem seeks to exploit the narcotics trade as an alternative and covert source of funding. By targeting the entire chain from cross-LoC narcotics trafficking and local distribution to the financial proceeds generated therefrom SIA Kashmir is pursuing the broader objective of financially strangulating and dismantling the support structures that sustain terrorism.
The case was initially registered following the recovery of 01 Kg of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore. Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of 07 Kg of poppy straw and 04 Kg of poppy seeds. Earlier, 15 grams of heroin had also been recovered from the residential premises of Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu by SIA. One motorcycle and electronic gadgets have also been seized and are presently under forensic/technical examination.
During the course of investigation, SIA Kashmir has filed multiple charge-sheets before the competent Court against the following accused for judicial determination, Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi, S/o Ghulam Mohammad Sofi, R/o Muqdam Mohalla, Radbugh Drugmulla, Kupwara. Waseem Ahmad Khan, S/o Mohammad Saleem Khan, R/o Rangai, Uri, Baramulla. Bashir Ahmad Koli, S/o Late Matu Koli, R/o Churanda, Uri, Baramulla. Mohammad Ashraf Lone, S/o Mohammad Subhan Lone, R/o Saidpora Rohama, Baramulla. Mohammad Saleem Khan, S/o Mohammad Shareef, R/o Kalgai Ramgai, Uri, Baramulla and Zafraan Khan, S/o Shafi Ullah Khan, R/o Dawran, Uri, Baramulla.
The investigation has further revealed the involvement of a broader network associated with terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan/PoK-based handlers.
The arrest of Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu is particularly significant as it demonstrates SIA Kashmir’s continued pursuit of absconders, facilitators, financiers and handlers, irrespective of the passage of time.
Notably, SIA Kashmir has also secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against terrorist handler and narco-terror kingpin Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case. The action reflects the Agency’s sustained efforts to pursue Pakistan-based handlers and other fugitives involved in directing and financing terrorist activities in J&K.
The latest arrest is expected to assist the investigating agency in unravelling further layers of the conspiracy, identifying additional linkages, tracing the financial trail and establishing the complete chain connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing.
SIA Kashmir reiterates its resolve to continue its relentless campaign against the terror ecosystem, its facilitators, financiers and sources of sustenance.
The investigation in the present case remains ongoing and will continue until all persons found involved in the conspiracy are brought before the law and the complete network responsible for facilitating the narco-terror financing pipeline is dismantled. (JKNS)
