The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed charges against two individuals accused of orchestrating a narco-terror financing module within the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a statement, the SIA revealed that Zaheed Ahmad Khoja and Zameer Ahmad Lone are facing charges under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, under the purview of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act.

Khoja was apprehended last September while transporting a significant heroin consignment weighing 3.565 kilograms, valued at over Rs 25 crores. Lone, on the other hand, is identified as an active member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), currently based in Pakistan and is listed as an absconding accused.

The SIA stated that Khoja, Lone, and their associates collaborated with 'terrorists' from proscribed organizations to raise funds through illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics across borders. These funds were allegedly used to finance 'terrorist activities' and perpetuate a 'terror ecosystem'.

Additionally, the accused individuals reportedly planned to sow communal disharmony through targeted 'terror acts' against minority communities, facilitated by encrypted messaging applications.

The funds obtained through these illicit activities were purportedly utilized for personal enrichment and to execute 'terrorist acts', including arson attacks on government buildings, residences of minority communities and police personnel, as well as the offices of political parties, as instructed by various 'terrorist outfits' operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

The SIA's investigation uncovered linkages between the 'narco-terror financing' module and multiple 'terrorist' organizations active in the region. It underscores the deep involvement of 'terrorist' groups in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in raising funds through the illicit sale of narcotics to sustain their nefarious operations.

The statement further indicates that the SIA's probe into other associates of the charged individuals in this case remains ongoing.

SRINAGAR — The Kashmir unit of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a charge sheet against Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, commonly known as Sarjan Barkati, along with his wife and Abdul Hamid Lone, an active militant of Hizbul Mujahideen believed to be based in Pakistan. The charge sheet was presented before the Special UAPA Court in Kulgam, according to the statement provided by SIA.

The case, registered on March 3, 2023, under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), alleges that Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, a resident of Rebban, Zainapora, Shopian, was involved in a criminal conspiracy to promote militant and secessionist ideologies.

It is claimed that Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati, incited youth to join militant ranks through inflammatory speeches and received funds from suspicious sources, including his Pakistan-based handler, intended for militant activities.

The investigation revealed that Wagay, his wife, and their alleged handler in Pakistan generated funds amounting to INR 1.74 crores, which were purportedly used to support militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The trio maintained communication through secret messaging applications to execute their plans.

While two of the accused are in custody, the third remains at large in Pakistan. The charge sheet, presented within the statutory period of investigation and with government sanction, includes offences punishable under UA(P)A and IPC.

SIA stated that the investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects associated with the accused.

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday raided at least 18 locations in the summer capital Srinagar in connection with an investigation of a case.

A top official, while speaking to a Srinagar-based news agency, said that SIA is conducting raids at 18 locations in Srinagar. He added that the searches are being carried out in FIR number 1 of 2024 registered at SIA Kashmir.

The searches are being conducted at ‘Win Placement’ Rawalpora, ‘Khidmat Placement’ Rawalpora, Madeeha Placement Rambagh, Superman Placement Chanpora area and other locations of the district.

These searches are being carried out in pursuance of search warrants issued by the Special Court, the official said, adding that further details of the case will be shared later.

SHOPIAN — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) launched a series of raids across South Kashmir and Shopian district in particular on Wednesday, targeting locations linked to cases related to the 2016 unrest in the region.

According to the sources, the SIA, supported by local police and CRPF personnel, conducted searches across South Kashmir, including the residence of separatist leader Sarjan Barkati.

As of the filing of this report, the raids were ongoing, with authorities yet to disclose further details regarding the scope or outcomes of the operation.

SRINAGAR — In a major crackdown on illicit funding, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted simultaneous raids at five locations in the summer capital of Srinagar and Delhi on Friday. The raids are linked to an ongoing investigation into a 'terror funding' case, news agency KDC quoted a top official as having said.

According to the official, SIA raided two locations in Srinagar, specifically Saidapora Eidgah and Ahmadnagar areas. Meanwhile, in Delhi, the agency initiated searches at three separate locations.

The investigation revolves around the illegal raising, layering, and laundering of substantial proceeds of crime, believed to have been utilized in activities such as secessionism and militancy.

The SIA Kashmir registered a case at Police Station SIA Kashmir after an extensive probe into the matter. The official disclosed that the case, identified as FIR No. 08 of 2023, is under investigation, focusing on the intricate network involved in the unlawful activities.

During the course of the inquiry, shocking revelations emerged, indicating that a colossal amount of Rs 85 crores had been illicitly raised and laundered within a brief period of less than two years. The gravity of the case underscores the potential impact on national security and the funding of activities detrimental to public order.

The SIA continues its relentless pursuit of the perpetrators behind this extensive network, with further investigations underway.

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Unit (SIU) presented a chargesheet before the Additional Sessions Judge (NIA Court) Baramulla on Tuesday.

The chargesheet pertains to a case filed under FIR number 103/2023, involving sections 7/25 IA Act 13, 18, 23, and 39 UAPA at Police Station Uri.

According to a statement quoted by a local news agency, the chargesheet names three accused individuals including Showkat Ali Awan, Ahmad Din Khatana and Mohd Sideeq Khatana, all residents of Churunda village in Uri area of Baramulla district.

The statement also mentions that the next hearing for the case is scheduled for February 16, 2024.

SRINAGAR — In a significant development, the Special Designated NIA Court, Srinagar has declared six members of a narco-module as proclaimed offenders. "This action comes in the wake of their involvement in the cross-border smuggling of narcotics in collaboration with Lashkar-e-Taiba/Hizbul Mujahideen operatives from across the border."

"The illicit drugs were subsequently distributed among the youth, while the proceeds were used to fuel terror activities by financing and strengthening the activities of the LeT and HM militant organizations," State Investigation Agency (SIA) said in a statement.

SIA in its statement to the news agency KDC said, “During the investigation of the case FIR No. 19/2022, the State Investigation Agency Kashmir successfully dismantled a narco-terror module and apprehended several of its members. Notable among these were Rubeena Nazir from Sopore and central jail detainee Ishfaq Ahmad Mir."

"These individuals were found to be operating the narco-terror module in collusion with terror handlers located across the border. While six members of the module have already been apprehended, several others have been identified and are currently under active pursuit,” it added.

State Investigation Agency has been diligently tracking down the accused who remain at large, they said, adding that multiple locations across the Union Territory have been subject to raids as part of these ongoing operations.

SIA further said among the absconding individuals, the six members of the narco-terror module have been declared as proclaimed offenders by the Special Designated NIA Court after SIA apprised the court about the investigation conducted so far and were identified as Abdul Rashid Bhat son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, resident of Lakripora Padgampora, Awantipora; Abdul Rashid Mir son of Mohammad Sultan Mir, resident of Amargrah Sopore; Sageer Ahmad Poswal son of Nazir Ahmad Poswal, resident of Amrohi, Tangdhar, Karnah, Kupwara.

Iftikhar Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Lateef Sheikh, resident of Amrohi, Tangdhar, Karnah, Kupwara; Basharat Ahmad Poswal son of Mohammad Sadiq, resident of Parda Karna, Kupwara and Javid Ahmad Thakkar, also known as Raja Thakkar, son of Tasaduq Hussain Thakkar, resident of Barhon Thanamandi Rajouri were also identified as proclaimed offenders.

"The State Investigation Agency is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to apprehend the absconding offenders. SIA Kashmir stands firm in its commitment to ensure that these individuals are brought to justice at the earliest possible time," reads the statement.

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Tuesday raided multiple locations in south Kashmir in connection with investigations into the killing of bank guard Sanjay Sharma in February this year.

A top official told the Srinagar-based news agency KDC that raids are underway at dozens of places in south Kashmir’s Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag, in case FIR No. 14/2023 of killing ATM guard Sanjay Sharma of Pulwama.

The searches are being carried out at Qaimoh Kulgam, Heff Shopian, Anantnag town, Bijbehara and many other locations in south Kashmir.

"These searches are being carried out in pursuance of search warrants issued by the Special Court," the official said, adding that the case of killing of Sharma was initially investigated by Pulwama Police and subsequently, it was transferred to the SIA Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) and the Executive Wing of J&K Police has widened the legal framework against 'militancy funding' by attaching 124 properties, land and buildings, situated across J&K at 86 locations.

"These properties, during the course of investigation in militancy-related cases, have been established prima facia to be either proceeds of militancy or used in such activities which are aimed at furtherance of militancy and secessionism," a statement issued to the news agency KNO reads.

The statement added, “Invoking provisions of section 8 and section 25 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), SIA and executive wing of the police, after orders from competent authorities designated under UAPA, have set into motion legal process for forfeiture of these tainted properties, by courts having relevant legal and territorial jurisdiction.”

Nearly, 77 of these properties belong to the proscribed organization Jamat-e-Islami, which has been notified under Section 08 of UAPA in case FIR number 17/2019 U/S 10, 11 and 13 UA (P) Act of Police Station Batamaloo being investigated by SIA, the statement added.

“Exhibiting strong resolve against terrorism, the action, therefore, has been taken following due process of law, to deracinate the terror support system, as per requirements of international charters and conventions against terrorism,” it added.

SRINAGAR — Police on Thursday said that its Special Investigation Unit attached under construction residential house of a militant associate in Danwathpora Kokernag area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district after obtaining necessary sanctions from the competent authority.

In a handout to the news agency GNS, the police said that during the course of investigation in case FIR No. 103/2022 of Police Station Kokernag under UA(P) Act, an under-construction residential house belonging to a militant associate, namely Mohammad Ishaq Malik son of Mohammad Saifullah Malik, resident of Danwathpora Kokernag, has been found used by militants of proscribed militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

"Accordingly, the process for attachment of property belonging to the above accused falling within the ambit proceeds of militancy was initiated by SIU Anantnag under section 25 of UA(P) Act & the conformation related to the attachment of property was accorded by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir," the spokesperson said.

He said, "The general public is once again advised not to harbour or provide shelter or extend logistics to militants/militant associates in their houses, failing which strict legal action will be taken against anyone doing so."

"SIU shall continue identification and initiation of attachment/confiscation of properties falling under the ambit of proceeds of militancy to shake the ecosystem of terrorism in UT of J&K," reads the statement.

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Monday identified more assets of Jamaat-e-Islami in district Kupwara worth Rs three crores and barred with restrictions on usage and entry.

“Today on 29-05-2023 in district Kupwara, property worth Rs 3 crores (approximately) after being notified by DM Kupwara on the recommendation of SIA of J&K, has been barred with restrictions on usage and entry,” a police spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency KNO.

"To choke the availability of funds for secessionist activities and to dismantle the ecosystem of anti-national elements & militant networks hostile to India's national security, sovereignty, integrity and unity, property belonging to and held by banned JeI at Kupwara has been notified by concerned District Magistrates in the exercise of the powers conferred under section 8 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 & Notification No. 14017/7/2019, dated 28 February 2019 of Union Ministry of Home Affairs," the statement said.

"The property is a shopping complex comprising 20 shops along with appurtenant land falling under survey number 2990/2666/270 and survey number 3551/2979/263 has been sealed and entry/usage barred has been prohibited," reads the notification. Additionally, a “red entry” to this effect has been made in the relevant revenue records. With this, SIA Kashmir has got 57 properties of JeI notified to date, police said.

"The action, it is expected, would significantly dent militant funding in J&K besides being another major step in restoring rule of law & a society without fear," police said.

Pertinently, SIA has identified as many as 188 JeI properties across the UT of J&K which have either been notified or are under the process of being notified for further legal action. These are as a result of an investigation of case FIR number 17 of 2019 U/S 10, 11 & 13 of Police Station Batmaloo being investigated by SIA, police said.

SRINAGAR — Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of J-K Police on Monday presented a chargesheet against a dead Lashkar-i-Toiba (LeT) militant and female militant associate before the NIA Court Anantnag.

The chargesheet was submitted in case FIR No. 346/2022 under Section 307, 302 IPC, 7/27 A. Act, 17, 18, 20, 23, 38, 39 ULAP Act of Police Station Anantnag.

In a statement, the police said that its SIU wing presented a chargesheet against a militant associate namely Shaheen Akhter daughter of Bashir Ahmad Ganai, resident of Tangward Brenti Batpora Anantnag and a slain militant Umer Nazir Bhat son of Nazir Ahmad Bhat, resident of Bon-Dailgam linked with proscribed militant outfit LeT.

The statement further stated that the investigation of the case is going on under Section 173 (8) with regard to the technical evidence, the report of which is awaited from CFSL Chandigarh.

SRINAGAR — State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Thursday said it has arrested a notorious 'terror fugitive' based and operating in and from the Middle-Eastern Arab country of Oman, at Srinagar International Airport.

In a statement to the news agency KDC, the agency said that the accused has been found involved in 'terror funding' case FIR No. 09/2021, Police Station SIA Kashmir.

The statement said that one accused namely Danish Ahmad Koul son of Bashir Ahmad Koul, resident of Tibti Colony Hawal Srinagar, working in a Middle East country Oman at a business establishment, was found involved in funding active 'terrorists' by way of financing them through his Valley-based OGW network.

A case FIR No. 09/2021 was lodged on 10-08-2021 under the provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967 as amended, waging war against the Union of India by way of aiding, abetting, supporting and assisting active 'terrorists' of Srinagar and south Kashmir at Police Station SIA Kashmir, it said.

During the course of investigation as per the agency, it was revealed that the accused along with one more 'terrorist' financier, a local accomplice namely Hammad Farooq Tramboo son of Farooq Ahmad Tramboo, resident of Kachgari Mohalla Soura Srinagar, in the garb of salesmen, were channelizing hefty amounts of funds raised by ISI & Pakistan-based Lashkar-i-Toiba - TRF handlers, masters for distribution among terrorists of the said proscribed terrorist organizations and families of eliminated terrorists in the UT of J&K under a deep-rooted criminal conspiracy.

Hammad Farooq, as per SIA, is already facing trial in the said case at the court of Special Judge NIA Court Srinagar, while Danish Ahmad Koul was at large and his arrest was much awaited as he did not join the interrogation sessions of the case during the course of the investigation.

The duo, as per SIA, on the behest of Pakistani handlers had recruited three more conduits in Srinagar for facilitating the distribution of funds among adversaries in the UT of J&K. “The funds have been calculated to be running in millions of INR (Indian National Rupee), which were being pumped into the UT of J&K for furthering terrorist designs to overawe the government establishments and intimidate general public for dissociation of UT of J&K from the Union of India.”

"The investigation so far unfurls deep criminal conspiracy and is expected to give more specific leads for more arrests forthwith," the statement added.

SRINAGAR — Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Kashmir Police carried out searches in the house of an active Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) commander in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday.

A statement issued by SIU stated that it conducted searches in the residential premises of Abdul Gani Bhat, father of active militant Farooq Ahmad Bhat alias Nali, at Chek Desen Yaripora.

Farooq Bhat is an active militant of the proscribed militant outfit HM and is wanted in many militant-related cases.

The spokesman further stated that the searches were conducted after Designated Special Judge under NIA Act, Kulgam issued a search warrant in case FIR No. 142/2019 of Police Station Yaripora in Kulgam.

The case pertains to the killing of five non-local labourers at Katrosa Kulgam in the year 2019. The SIU said that it is investigating the case and has been conducting searches and investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

SRINAGAR — State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday attached more properties belonging to banned Jamaat-e-Islami at different locations in south Kashmir.

An official told the news agency KNO that SIA attached the properties in Sirhama, Viddy Srigufwara, Arwani in Anantnag district and in the main town Kulgam.

He said the properties include a double-storied house, along with seven Marla of land, 56 kanal agricultural land, two Kanal seven Marla land, three Kanal four Marla land and 1.5 Kanal land.

The official said the properties were seized in connection with an investigation of a case by the SIA.

KUPWARA — The State Investigation Unit (SIU) of Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at multiple locations in Kupwara district in connection with a case regarding militant activities in the area.

"The raids were carried out in an under-investigation case of Police Station Kupwara registered vide FIR number 276/2022 under sections 120-B, 121, 121-A, 122, 123 IPC and sections 17, 18, 20, 38, 39, 40 of UA(P) Act," a police spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency KNO.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kupwara, Yougal Manhas said that the crackdown on militant elements operating within the district and those from Pakistan is a step towards dismantling the militant ecosystem working in the valley.

"The searches were conducted in the residential houses of suspected relatives of some eight militants, who have crossed LoC illegally and joined militant ranks, and are affiliated with outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad etc," it said.

“As per initial investigations, these militants have been found involved in actively conspiring and facilitating infiltration of militants, supplying arms and ammunition in addition to using cyberspace in radicalizing Kashmiri youths to join militant ranks besides raising funds for militancy activities,” police said.

The searches were conducted at Hyhama, Kralpora, Mirnag, Lolab and Sulkoot localities of the district after search warrants were obtained from the designated Court.

“During the searches, vital evidence including mobile phones and other materials have been seized which are relevant for investigation of the case for corroborating the role of these persons in the perpetuation of militancy. With the investigation at its initial stages, more searches shall be carried in due course of time,” the statement said.

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir's State Investigation Agency (SIA) Jammu has filed a charge sheet against four militants of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, who were involved in carrying out a number of militant attacks in J&K.

As per the news agency KNO, the case was initially registered in Police Station Mahore of district Reasi but later on transferred to SIA Jammu by the orders of police headquarters.

The investigation has established that the Pakistan-based terrorist Mohd Qasim and Zia-Ul-Rehman, who actually are residents of Jammu & Kashmir and after joining terrorist ranks ex-filtrated to Pakistan and used drones for supplying arms, ammunition, and explosives in Jammu and Kashmir and the same were collected by the accused Talib Hussain Shah and his associates.

The investigation has further established that on the directions of Pakistan-based handlers Talib Hussain Shah had recruited many youths of Jammu and Kashmir and had revived the terror ecosystem in Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal area.

The investigation also proved that the accused persons are also involved in minority killings and are involved in creating fear psychosis among the general masses. The investigation revealed they had been directed to carry out attacks on security forces, and vital installations to meet the objective of secession of J&K from the Union of India.

The case has been minutely supervised by Director of SIA J&K to reach its logical conclusion.

SRINAGAR — The District Magistrate (DM) Srinagar has ordered the sealing of three properties of banned Jamat-e Islami (JeI) including two-storied residential structures constructed over 17 Marlas of proprietary land at Barzulla, Srinagar recorded in the name of late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

In the order issued, the DM quoted communication No. SIA/SN/FIR-17/2019/7738-42; dated 16-12-2022 by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), saying that during the investigation of case FIR No. 17/2019 u/s 10, 11, 13 UA(P) Act of Police Station Batamaloo now being investigated by Police Station SIA, three properties have surfaced that are owned by or under the possession of banned association Jamat-e-Islami and are located in the jurisdiction of district Srinagar and are to be notified in terms of section 8 UA(P) Act.

One of the properties includes land measuring 1 Kanal and 7 Marla at Khushipora Shalateng under Survey No. 279 and 280 in the name of Jamat-e-Islami J&K through District President Bashir Ahmad Lone son of Abdul Samad Lone, resident of Harwan, Srinagar vide Mutation No. 2949.

Another land measuring 1 Kanal and 3 Marla at Khushipora Shalateng under Survey No. 276 in the name of Jamat-e-Islami J&K through District President Bashir Ahmad Lone son of Abdul Samad Lone, resident of Harwan, Srinagar vide Mutation No. 2950.

The third property is a two-storied residential structure constructed over proprietary land measuring 17 Marla and 199 Sft. under Survey No. 1388/307 at Barzulla, Srinagar recorded in the name of late leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Firdous Ahmad Asmi vide Mutation No. 2646.

The DM said that upon obtaining the report from the concerned Tehsildar and after perusal of the Revenue Record pertaining to the above properties, it was found that these properties are owned by and are under the possession of banned Jamat-e-Islami association through their members.

“And whereas, on perusal of the records and other connected documents, I, District Magistrate Srinagar, am satisfied that there is sufficient material to notify the above-mentioned properties under the said Act,” the order said.

The order asked the lead District Manager for information and directions to seize all accounts of the proscribed organization whether in the name of members/institutions of affiliated units and furnish a compliance report immediately.

SRINAGAR — State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Police on Saturday conducted searches at multiple locations across the valley in connection with a militancy case.

In a handout to the news agency GNS, the NIA said that continuing to rein in the financial networks of militant outfits with the purpose of destroying its ecosystem and support structure of militancy completely, the State Investigation Agency, Kashmir on October 22 conducted searches at multiple locations across the valley.

About 14 houses and a business premise of suspects in Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla and Shopian were searched in compliance to a search warrant obtained from the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, designated under NIA Act (TADA/POTA) Srinagar in connection with an investigation of case FIR No. 7/2022 U/S 13, 18, 19, 39, 40 UA(P) Act, 121, 121-A IPC, registered in Police Station CIK (SIA) Kashmir.

The spokesperson further said that the case pertains to the financial networks of militant outfits operating in the valley. The case came to be registered on reliable information that a group of over-ground workers of militant organizations in connivance with and active support from their Pakistan-based militant handlers including militants, who had exfiltrated from the valley, now based in Pakistan are arranging a variety of logistics support including channeling finances with the overall objective of furthering and sustaining militancy activities in J&K in order to destabilize the Union of India by clandestinely waging war.

During the searches, incriminating material, electronic gadgets, mobile phones, bank documents and other articles having bearing on the investigation have been recovered and seized. Analysis of the data would follow and leads that would emerge would become the basis for further investigation.

It is pertinent to mention here that the searches are aimed at dismantling the financial networks of the militant outfits, reads the statement.

SRINAGAR — State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday carried out multiple raids in south Kashmir in connection with a militancy-related case, officials said.

Official sources told the news agency GNS that SIA is carrying raids at three districts of south Kashmir, including Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam. The raids are being carried out in these districts related to the militancy case, they said.

Till this story was filed, no arrest or any recovery of incriminating material or documents was reported.