Trial against Pakistan-Backed syndicate to begin
Srinagar: A Special NIA Court has framed charges against 10 accused in a major narco-terror case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, paving the way for the commencement of trial against an alleged Pakistan-backed syndicate accused of financing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through narcotics smuggling.
The case, registered as FIR No. 19/2022 at Police Station SIA Kashmir in October 2022, is based on intelligence inputs regarding an alleged cross-border conspiracy involving handlers of the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
According to the SIA, the investigation revealed that narcotic substances were allegedly smuggled across the Line of Control into Jammu and Kashmir, with the proceeds being used to finance terrorist activities, sustain militant infrastructure and strengthen the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The agency identified 16 accused, including four Pakistan/PoJK-based terrorist handlers. Of these, 10 accused are currently in custody, while one local accused, Sageer Ahmad Poswal of Kupwara, and four Pakistan-based accused have been declared absconding. Another accused, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik alias Rahee of Sopore, was killed in an encounter.
Officials said SIA Kashmir filed six charge sheets during the course of the investigation and also succeeded in arresting three proclaimed offenders who had been evading arrest.
After hearing the prosecution, the Special Court ordered framing of charges against the available accused under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including offences related to waging war against the Government of India, criminal conspiracy, terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organisations, supporting banned outfits, destruction of evidence and forgery.
With the framing of charges, the case now moves into the trial stage, during which the prosecution will present its evidence before the court.
The SIA said legal proceedings against the absconding Pakistan-based accused will continue in accordance with law. The agency is also pursuing attachment and forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to terrorist activities under the provisions of the UAPA.
Describing the development as a significant milestone, the SIA said the case underscores its commitment to dismantling the financial networks supporting terrorism by targeting the nexus between narcotics trafficking and cross-border terror financing.
