Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – A significant step has been taken in the legal proceedings against a Pakistan-backed narco-terror syndicate operating in Jammu and Kashmir, as the Special NIA Court has ordered the framing of charges in a case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir. The decision paves the way for the commencement of a trial against individuals accused of financing militancy through proceeds from narcotics smuggling.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the case originated from FIR No. 19/2022, registered at Police Station SIA Kashmir in October 2022. The registration was based on intelligence indicating a sophisticated cross-border conspiracy orchestrated by handlers associated with the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant organization from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The investigation by SIA Kashmir revealed a wider conspiracy wherein the syndicate allegedly smuggled narcotics across the Line of Control into Jammu and Kashmir. The illicit proceeds generated from these activities were then purportedly channeled to fund militant activities, sustain militant infrastructure, and bolster the overall militant ecosystem within the Union Territory. During the course of its extensive probe, the SIA identified 16 accused individuals, including four alleged Pakistan/PoJK-based militant handlers.
Among the arrested accused 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. One accused, Sageer Ahmad Poswal, son of Nazir Ahmad Poswal from Amrohi, Arna, Kupwara, is reportedly absconding.
The Pakistan/PoJK-based absconding accused have been identified as Tariq Ahmad Malik alias Dilawar, son of Mohammad Ramzan; Alif-ud-Din Badana, son of Ghulam-ud-Din Badana, originally from Amrohi, Karnah, Kupwara, and currently believed to be in Pakistan; Mushtaq Ahmad Naik alias Usman Bhai, son of Ghulam Nabi Naik, from Kundan, Khari, District Ramban, also believed to be in Pakistan; and Firdous Ahmad Dar alias Umer Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar, from Harwan, Sopore, Baramulla, who is also reported to be in Pakistan. Additionally, one accused, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik alias Rahee, son of Mohammad Yousuf Malik from Panzipora, Sopore, Baramulla, has been reported killed in an encounter.
SIA Kashmir has submitted six comprehensive charge sheets in connection with the case. The investigation also led to the apprehension of three proclaimed offenders who had previously evaded arrest. The Special Court, after a thorough review of the prosecution’s submissions, has ordered the framing of charges against the ten available accused. These charges have been framed under stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Indian Penal Code.
The specific offences invoked include waging war against the Government of India, conspiracy to wage war, committing terrorist acts, raising funds for militant organizations, being a member of or supporting a militant organization, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and forgery. The framing of charges marks a critical juncture in the legal process, underscoring the evidence compiled by the SIA during its investigation.
The trial is now set to proceed with the recording of evidence presented by the prosecution before the competent court. SIA Kashmir continues its efforts to pursue legal action against the absconding Pakistan/PoJK-based accused as per the established legal framework. Concurrently, proceedings are underway for the attachment and forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to militant activities, in accordance with the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
This development reinforces the SIA Kashmir’s resolve to dismantle the financial networks supporting militancy by targeting the nexus between narcotics trafficking and cross-border militancy, ensuring that all individuals involved in financing, facilitating, or supporting militant activities are brought to justice.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
