Srinagar: In a significant development in the fight against narco-terrorism and cross-border terrorism, a Special NIA Court has ordered the framing of charges in FIR No. 19/2022 of Police Station SIA Kashmir.
This decision paves the way for the 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, the SIA said in a statement issued here.
The case was registered in October 2022 based on credible intelligence indicating a highly organized cross-border conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan or PoJK-based handlers of the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Investigations conducted by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, revealed that the syndicate smuggled narcotic substances across the Line of Control into Jammu & Kashmir. The illicit proceeds from these activities were channelled to finance terrorism, sustain terrorist infrastructure, and bolster the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.
During an extensive investigation, SIA Kashmir uncovered the broader conspiracy and identified the involvement of 16 accused individuals, including four Pakistan or PoJK-based terrorist handlers. Among those arrested are 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. Sageer Ahmad Poswal, son of Nazir Ahmad Poswal from Amrohi Arna Kupwara, is currently absconding.
The investigation also revealed four accused based in Pakistan or PoJK who are still at large. They include Tariq Ahmad Malik, also known as Dilawar, son of Mohammad Ramzan, who is proclaimed and absconding; Alif-ud-Din Badana, son of Ghulam-ud-Din Badana from Amrohi, Karnah, Kupwara, currently in Pakistan; Mushtaq Ahmad Naik, alias Usman Bhai, son of Ghulam Nabi Naik from Kundan, Khari, District Ramban, also presently in Pakistan; and Firdous Ahmad Dar, alias Umer Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar from Harwan, Sopore, Baramulla, currently in Pakistan.
Additionally, one accused individual, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, alias Rahee, son of Mohammad Yousuf Malik from Panzipora, Sopore, Baramulla, was killed in an encounter.
SIA Kashmir has filed six comprehensive charge sheets against all sixteen accused, including three proclaimed offenders who had been evading arrest. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of these proclaimed offenders, strengthening the case further.
Following a detailed hearing, the Hon’ble Special Court ordered the 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. The charges include offenses related to waging war against the Government of India, conspiracy to wage war, terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organizations, membership and support to such organizations, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and forgery.
This order marks a crucial stage in the prosecution process and underscores 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 appropriate court.
Meanwhile, SIA Kashmir continues to pursue legal proceedings against the absconding Pakistan or PoJK-based accused in accordance with the law. Efforts are also underway to attach and confiscate properties linked to terrorist activities under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The successful investigation and the framing of charges reaffirm SIA Kashmir’s unwavering commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of terrorism. By targeting the nexus between narcotics trafficking and cross-border terrorism, authorities aim to ensure that every individual involved in financing, facilitating, or supporting terrorist activities is brought to justice.