Srinagar, Aug 17 (NVI): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested an absconding operative in Jammu in connection with a narco-terror financing case and uncovered a wider conspiracy allegedly involving Pakistan- and PoK-based operatives linked to Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said on Monday.
The accused, identified as Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, son of P K Bhat and a resident of Rehari Colony in Jammu, was apprehended during a special operation, a SIA spokesperson said.
Bhat was wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022, registered by the SIA on June 3, 2022, over the alleged smuggling and distribution of narcotics and diversion of proceeds from their sale towards terror financing. He had been evading arrest for nearly four years, the spokesperson said.
According to the agency, the investigation has revealed a broader narco-terror network allegedly involving Pakistan- and PoK-based Hizbul Mujahideen operatives. Narcotics were allegedly trafficked into Jammu and Kashmir, distributed through a local network and the proceeds channelled towards sustaining terrorist activities.
The SIA said Bhat allegedly facilitated the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Jammu division. His arrest was made following sustained technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative efforts.
The investigation has also revealed alleged links with Pakistan- and PoK-based handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Kandoo, son of Abdul Khaliq Kandoo of Kralteng in Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, son of late Abdul Majeed Khan of Braman Panzala in Baramulla.
The two allegedly facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through a network operating in Jammu and Kashmir, the agency said.
The case was initially registered following the recovery of one kilogram of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora in Sopore. Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of seven kilograms of poppy straw and four kilograms of poppy seeds, the SIA said.
The agency also recovered 15 grams of heroin from Bhat’s residential premises, besides seizing a motorcycle and electronic gadgets, which are undergoing forensic and technical examination.
During the investigation, the SIA filed multiple charge sheets before the competent court against Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi, Waseem Ahmad Khan, Bashir Ahmad Koli, Mohammad Ashraf Lone, Mohammad Saleem Khan and Zafraan Khan for judicial determination.
The agency said the probe has established the involvement of a wider network allegedly associated with Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan- and PoK-based handlers.
Separately, the SIA has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against terrorist handler and narco-terror operative Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a terror-related case.
The latest arrest is expected to help investigators trace further links, establish the financial trail and identify other persons allegedly involved in the network connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing.
The investigation is continuing and efforts are underway to apprehend other accused persons and dismantle the structures allegedly supporting the narco-terror financing network, the agency said.(NVI)
