SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir, State Investigation Agency, Monday filed a chargesheet against two accused who along with their other associates were involved in operating a narco-terror financing module in the Union territory. 

The chargesheet, as per a statement issued to GNS, has been filed against Zaheed Ahmad Khoja and Zameer Ahmad Lone under various provisions of the NDPS Act and UA(P) Act in Special Designated UAPA Court under the NIA Act. 

"Zaheed Ahmad Khoja was arrested in September last year when he was intercepted while transporting a huge consignment of Heroin weighing 3.565 Kgs (valued at more than Rs 25 crores) while Zameer Ahmad Lone is an active terrorist of LeT, originally resident of Kashmir and now based in Pakistan/ POK, chargesheeted as an absconding accused."

"Zaheed and Zameer and others  in connivance with terrorists of proscribed terrorist organizations, hatched a criminal conspiracy of raising funds by illegally smuggling/trafficking narcotics/contraband from across the border and from the narco proceeds financially support terrorist acts and to fund terror ecosystem," reads the statement.

"In pursuance of the above-mentioned larger criminal conspiracy, the duo and their other associates in close coordination through conversations over encrypted messaging applications planned systematically spreading communal disharmony through terror acts targeted at minority communities," reads the statement. 

"The terror funds were used for personal enrichment and for furtherance of terrorist acts including setting ablaze Government buildings, residential houses of minority communities/Police personnel and office of a political party, as directed by various terrorist organisations, active in Jammu and Kashmir," reads the statement. 

"SIA has been successful in busting the narco terror financing module where linkages have been found with multiple terror organisations." 

"Terrorist outfits active in UT of Jammu and Kashmir are deeply involved in raising terror funds through sale of illegally trafficked Narcotics from across the borders to sustain their terror operations and activities," reads the statement. 

"Further investigation against other associates of the chargesheeted accused persons in this case will continue," the statement concludes. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Kashmir unit of State Investigation Agency (SIA) presented a charge sheet against Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Sarjan Barkati, his wife and others in a case of unlawful activities and militant financing, here on Friday. 

Among the others named in the chargesheet, as per a statement issued to GNS, include; Abdul Hamid Lone  alias Hamid Mawar, an active militant of HM, based in Pakistan, absconding in this case, before the honourable Special UAPA Court, Kulgam, in case FIR No. 02 of 2023 of Police Station SIA Kasimir.
 
The case, the statement reads, was registered on 03.03.2023 under sections 13, 17, 18, 21, 39, 40 UA(P)A read with section 120-B IPC based in allegations that  Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (aka Sarjan Barkati) son of Abdul Razaq Wagay resident  of Rebban, Zainapora, Shopian, an active ideologue, promoter and supporter of ongoing militant – secessionist nexus, hatched a criminal conspiracy with others which include his relatives and family members to facilitate, aid, incite, advice, advocate, and promote militant and secessionist ideologies and activities through his inflammatory speeches and through such audio video inflammatory speeches he has incited, instigated and provoked youth to join the militant ranks. 

"Further in pursuance of aforesaid larger criminal conspiracy, they received, raised and collected funds from different suspicious sources in cash and through banking channels into their bank accounts of different banks, intended to be used for purposes of militancy and secessionism and by using these funds Sarjan Ahmad Wagay has purchased some immovable properties intended and likely to be used for the furtherance of militancy", reads the statement. 
 
The investigation, the statement reads, has established the culpability of the accused Sarjan Barkati, his wife and their Pakistan based handler in furthering and financing the militant and secessionist activities in J&K. "The trio accused pursuant to the criminal conspiracy generated militancy funds to the tune of INR 1.74 crores which were routed through various shell accounts intended to be used for promoting and creating wherewithal’s for propagation of secessionist, subversive, militant ideology and unlawful activities in J&K to achieve their common objective of separation of J&K from Union of India and to support militant activities and ecosystem."

The trio, the statement, were in contact with each other through secret communication applications and encrypted messenger applications.

"In the investigation of the case among the accused charge sheet two are arrested and lodged in judicial custody while the third is based in Pakistan", reads the statement. 
 
"The charge sheet was presented within the statutory period of investigation after obtaining the mandatory government sanction against these three accused persons for commission of offences punishable under sections 13, 17, 18, 21, 39, 40 UA(P)A read with sections 120-B, 420, 471 IPC", reads the statement. 
 
"Further investigation against other suspects and associates of charge-sheeted accused persons will be continued", concludes the statement. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Sleuths of State Investigation Agency raided multiple locations across South Kashmir, officials said.

The officials told GNS that the Investigation agency alongside CRPF and Police raided multiple places in Anantnag and Kulgam districts. 

There were however no immediate reports of any seizure of any incriminating material in the raids. 

More details awaited. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: State Investigation Agency (SIA) has arrested one lady namely Shabroza Bano, wife of Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias ‘Barkati’ of South Kashmir. She, along with her husband has been found involved in terror financing by raising money through crowdfunding.

Case FIR No 02/2023 U/S 13,17,18,21,39,40 UA(P) Act, 120-B IPC of police station, SIA pertains to the involvement of Barkati family in orchestrating an extensive fund-raising campaign through crowd funding, resulting in the generation of funds amounting to crores, SIA said in a statement to Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com, adding that these funds were subsequently misused, involving money laundering and acquisition of undisclosed assets for propagation of radicalism within the Kashmir valley. While Sarjan Barkati was arrested in August this year, his wife Shabroza Bano has been evading arrest after her role surfaced in the case. During the investigation of SIA Shabroza Bano came out as one of the conspirators and was found hand in glove with her husband and Pak based terror handlers in the terror funding case. The investigation reveals that Shabroza Bano has remained in constant contact with Pakistani handlers through encrypted messaging platforms.  Consequently, she was arrested today on 24.11.2023, they said.                

The agency said "Barkati and his family had managed to raise approximately Rs 1.74 crores through crowdfunding campaigns. These funds were raised for personal gains and a significant portion of the collected funds was allegedly misused for undisclosed purposes, including financing of secessionist and terrorist activities. A substantial portion of the acquired funds had been deposited in various Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) under the names of Barkati’s family members, raising questions about the legitimacy of the sources and utilization of the funds."

Pertinent to mention that the main accused in the case Sarjan Barkati was a prominent figure in organizing large-scale protests, rallies, and clashes with security forces in 2016 the agency said. During that period he was instrumental in abetting youth to storm security forces establishments for which more than 30 FIRs were registered against him in various police stations of the valley, they added. (KDC)

SRINAGAR: In a terror funding case the State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Wednesday raided multiple locations in Kashmir and New Delhi.

A top official told Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot that in a terror funding case SIA Kashmir is conducting raids at dozens of places in New Delhi, Srinagar, Anantnag and Pulwama.

These searches are being carried out in pursuance of search warrants issued by the Special Court, the official said, adding that, the raids are being carried in FIR no 08 of 2023.

“During the searches, various incriminating documents and electronic devices are being seized from the premises of the suspects”, official sources said adding that further investigation of the case is on and details of the case will be shared later, they said.

If sources are to be believed the SIA’s actions come as a result of a thorough investigation, which has led them to believe that some prominent individuals may have connections to this terror funding case. While the names of these individuals remain confidential, they are reportedly on the radar of the SIA, they added. (KDC)

SIA spokesman said that on the basis of intelligence inputs, Jammu SIA conducted simultaneous searches in four different locations in the residential premises of Over Ground Workers and helpers of terrorists groups in tehsil Basantgarh in district Udhampur and Jammu district.

The spokesman added that inputs further reveled that the border guide and OGWs are using different mabile apps for calling and passing vital information to Pakistan based terrorists and handlers as well as terrorists groups.

"The Pakistan based handlers and terrorists groups are desperate to revive the terrorist activities in the hinterland of Jammu and Kashmir," the spokesman said adding that on this reports SIA team obtained search warrant from the court and conducted searches in the residential premises of suspected persons.

The raids were conducted in the houses of Nazir Ahmed, Mohd Rafiq and Altaf Hussan, all residents of Basantgarh, District Udhampur and Mohd Iqbal, resident of Peer Bagh Colony, Sunjawan, Jammu.

The spokesman said that during searches, electric gadgets, relevant documents etc were recovered, adding, "the searches were conducted in presence of executive magistrate and with the active participation of district police Udhampur and Jammu." (UNI)

SRINAGAR: The sleuths of State Investigation Agency on Friday claimed to have arrested another key accused wanted in a Narco terror case in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The sources in the SIA here said that on May 30, 2023, an attempt was made by four associates in a narco terror module to smuggle drugs and explosives into India from across the border fence in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The accused persons were intercepted by the Army and apprehended with arms, ammunition, IEDs and Heroin, they said.

Sources added that upon investigation it was revealed that the group of four persons (of which one had absconded from the spot) were being supervised by key accused Mohammad Javed who was recently arrested by SIA in Delhi.

“Upon technical surveillance and human intelligence, it was ascertained that Liyaqat had played an important role in planning the entire conspiracy with Mohammad Javed and other accused persons,” sources said.

They added that Liyaqat had also provided material assistance in carrying out the conspiracy and assisted Mohammad Javed to abscond after the case was registered. Liyaqat runs a provisions shop in Poonch district.

On July 6, 2023, sources said that the Police Station, Poonch transferred the case for investigation to SIA Jammu.

Further investigation into aspects of cross border operation of this narco terror syndicate which is found smuggling arms, explosives and narcotics consignments across the border is ongoing at SIA Jammu, so also aspects of amassing disproportionate wealth in short periods of time as is seen in the instant case is being investigated.

The SIA team, who arrested the accused was Rafiq Manhas DySP, Inspector Lakhvir, Inspector Vinod, Inspector Anil Sharma, HC Ilyas and Vikas Razdan assisted by other staff of SIA, Jammu. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in case FIR No. 17/2019 u/s 10 UA (P) Act of Police Station Batmaloo, registered on 1 March 2019 and later transferred to SIA Kashmir in December 2021.

According to a statement issued to news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), SIA Kashmir filed the chargesheet on Friday before the Special UAPA (TADA/ POTA) Court, Srinagar against Ab Salam Dagga S/O Ghulam Mohammad Dagga R/O Bagji Islam Lal Nagar Chanapora Srinagar and abate chargesheet against another accused namely Mohammad Shafi Dar S/O Ghulam Mohammad Dar R/O Barzulla Baghat Srinagar, who has expired.

During the course of the investigation, the SIA Kashmir has also identified 188 properties which were either in possession or registered in the name of unlawful association JeI- JK, out of which identified 188 properties, out of which  58 properties, spread across the valley, have been notified (under section 8 of UAPA) by the District Magistrates, the statement said adding that this non-investigative action was aimed at disrupting the financial resources and support network of the unlawful association, which has been found involved in various unlawful activities. (KDC)

SRINAGAR: State Investigation Agency Kashmir on Tuesday conducted searches at many locations in four districts, namely Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara spread over length and breadth of Kashmir valley.

In a handout to GNS, the SIA said that today it successfully conducted searches at six locations across Kashmir in Districts Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Srinagar. The searches were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation in case FIR No 05/2023 of Police Station SIA/ CIK pertaining to misuse of social media platforms for unlawful and secessionist activities . The  case was registered by SIA KASHMIR, regarding India-based social media entities collaborating with their foreign associates to spread hatred against India and promoting militant activities.

According to spokesman, the pre dawn searches conducted by SIA personnel, aimed to uncover the individuals and groups involved in propagating secessionist , anti-India sentiments through various social media platforms. The identified entities are suspected of conniving with foreign associates to further their nefarious agenda, which includes instigating and supporting acts of militancy. Additionally, these entities have been targeting government servants, hindering their ability to perform their lawful duties.

The searches conducted by SIA KASHMIR resulted in the seizure of substantial digital and physical evidence like mobile phones, sim cards etc. The evidence will be meticulously analyzed to build a strong case against the accused individuals and organizations, ensuring a comprehensive investigation and subsequent legal proceedings, reads the statement. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir is carrying out raids at multiple locations in south Kashmir on Wednesday morning with investigations into the killing of bank guard, Sanjay Sharma in February this year.

A top official told news agency Kashmir Dot Com that sleuths of the investigating agency with the assistance of the local police and the CRPF carried out raids at multiple locations. The searches are being carried out in the districts of Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama, he said.

The investigation of Bank ATM guard Sanjay Kumar Sharma killing case under FIR No 14/2023 is going on in full swing and the first round of raids was conducted last month at nine locations.

On February 26, Sharma was killed when militants fired upon him in Achan, Pulwama while he was on way to a local market. (KDC)

SRINAGAR: In consonance with the policy of the government for zero tolerance towards anti State activities, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) and the Executive Wing of J&K Police has widened the legal framework against terror funding by attaching 124 properties, land and buildings, situated across J&K at 86 locations.

These properties, during the course of investigation in militant related cases, have been established prima facia to be either proceeds of terrorism or used in such activities which are aimed at furtherance of terrorism and secessionism.

Invoking provisions of section 8 and section 25 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), SIA and executive wing of police, after orders from competent authorities designated under UAPA, have set into motion legal process for forfeiture of these tainted properties, by courts having relevant legal and territorial jurisdiction.

Nearly, 77 of these properties belong to proscribed organisation Jamat-e-Islami, which have been notified under Section 08 of UAPA in Case FIR number 17/2019 U/S 10, 11 and 13 UA (P) Act of Police Station Batamaloo being investigated by SIA.

Exhibiting strong resolve against terrorism, the action therefore has been taken following due process of law, to deracinate the terror support system, as per requirements of international charters and conventions against terrorism. (GNS)