The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached a residential property in Amritsar, Punjab, which is reportedly linked to a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative involved in a transnational narco-terror network case. The property was seized as proceeds of terrorism.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the house, identified as House No. 33, Holy City, Holy Enclave Phase-I, Amritsar, was attached by the NIA under Section 25 (1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act). This action stems from the Salaya drug seizure case, with the property designated as “proceeds of terrorism” under Section 2 (g) (ii) of the UA(P) Act.
An NIA team executed the attachment procedure following legal protocols, ensuring the presence of independent witnesses and cooperation from local authorities. The property was registered in the name of the father of Ankush Kapoor, who is described as a key operative in India for a narco-terror network with international connections spanning Italy, Australia, Iran, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan, among other nations.
The NIA’s ongoing investigations have established links between Ankush Kapoor and an individual based in Dubai who is reportedly connected with the proscribed terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. Kapoor, who was apprehended last year, is considered a significant operative in a conspiracy involving the smuggling, transportation, storage, and distribution of narcotic substances. He is also accused of laundering proceeds derived from terrorism to accomplices in various countries.
Further findings from the investigation indicate that the financial gains from the trafficking of narcotic substances were being channeled to finance and support terrorist activities within India. This operation is alleged to have been facilitated through a complex and elaborate financial network designed to obscure the ultimate beneficiaries and purposes of the funds.
Previously, the anti-terror agency had initiated charges against Ankush Kapoor for his alleged role in terror-funding activities. He faces charges related to criminal conspiracy and providing support to unlawful and terrorist networks, in addition to offences registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
To date, a total of 26 individuals have been charged by the NIA in connection with this extensive narco-terror case. The agency continues to dismantle networks involved in the illicit drug trade and its alleged linkage to financing militancy.
The Chenab Times News Desk