NIA court frames charges in SIA’s narco-terror case

Srinagar, Jul 16: The Special NIA court has framed charges in a major narco-terror case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, paving the way for the trial of members of an alleged Pakistan-backed narco-terror syndicate accused of financing terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir through proceeds generated from narcotics smuggling.
In a statement, a spokesperson said the case pertains to FIR No. 19/2022 registered by Police Station SIA Kashmir in October 2022 following credible intelligence about a cross-border conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers of the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
He said the investigation revealed that narcotics were smuggled across the Line of Control into Jammu and Kashmir, with the proceeds allegedly being used to fund terrorism and sustain the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.
“The investigation identified 16 accused, including four Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers. Those arrested 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, while Sageer Ahmad Poswal of Amrohi Arna, Kupwara, remains absconding,” the spokesperson said.
He said the Pakistan/PoJK-based accused, who are also absconding, have been identified as Tariq Ahmad Malik alias Dilawar, Alif-ud-Din Badana, Mushtaq Ahmad Naik alias Usman Bhai and Firdous Ahmad Dar alias Umer Dar. Another accused, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik alias Rahee of Panzipora, Sopore, was killed in an encounter.
“SIA Kashmir has filed six charge sheets against all 16 accused and also succeeded in arresting three proclaimed offenders who had been evading arrest,” he said.
The spokesperson said that after hearing the prosecution, the Special Court framed charges against the 10 accused currently available before it under the NDPS Act, the UAPA and various provisions of the IPC, including offences related to waging war against the Government of India, criminal conspiracy, terrorist acts, terror financing, membership of terrorist organisations, destruction of evidence and forgery.
“The trial will now proceed with the recording of prosecution evidence before the competent court. SIA Kashmir is continuing legal proceedings against the absconding accused and pursuing the attachment and forfeiture of properties linked to terrorist activities under the UAPA, reiterating its commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of terrorism,” the spokesperson said. (KNO)