Srinagar, July 16: In a significant breakthrough against narco-terrorism, the Special NIA Court has directed the commencement of trial after framing charges against 10 accused in a major case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir. The case involves an alleged Pakistan-backed terror-financing network accused of using cross-border narcotics smuggling to fund terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to an official statement issued to the Kashmir News Correspondent (KNC), the case originated from FIR No. 19/2022 registered by Police Station SIA Kashmir in October 2022 following intelligence inputs about a cross-border conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by handlers operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), with links to the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The investigation uncovered an alleged network involved in smuggling narcotic substances across the Line of Control (LoC). The proceeds generated through the illegal trade were allegedly utilised to finance terrorist activities, sustain militant infrastructure, facilitate recruitment, and strengthen terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The SIA investigation identified a total of 16 accused, including four handlers based in Pakistan/PoJK. Of these, 10 accused are currently lodged in judicial custody, while one accused from Kupwara continues to evade arrest. The four Pakistan-based accused have already been declared proclaimed offenders, whereas another accused from Sopore was killed in an encounter with security forces during the course of investigation.
The agency informed that it has filed six comprehensive charge sheets before the competent court. It further stated that three proclaimed offenders were arrested during the investigation, marking a major success in the case.
After hearing detailed arguments advanced by the prosecution, the Special NIA Court framed charges against the 10 accused presently before the court under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The accused have been charged with serious offences, including waging war against the Government of India, criminal conspiracy to wage war, commission of terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organisations, membership and support to banned terror outfits, destruction of evidence, forgery, and other related offences.
With the framing of charges completed, the court will now proceed with the recording of prosecution evidence, formally commencing the trial against the accused in accordance with law.
The SIA also stated that proceedings for attachment and forfeiture of properties allegedly acquired through terrorist activities are underway under the provisions of the UAPA. The agency added that efforts to secure legal action against the absconding Pakistan/PoJK-based accused will continue through the prescribed legal mechanisms.
Describing the court’s decision as a major milestone in the fight against terrorism, the SIA said the development reflects its sustained commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure supporting terrorism by targeting the nexus between narcotics trafficking and cross-border terror financing in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNC)
