Srinagar: A Special NIA Court has framed charges against 10 accused in a narco-terror case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, paving the way for the commencement of trial, officials said on Thursday.
According to the SIA, the case (FIR No. 19/2022) was registered in October 2022 at Police Station SIA Kashmir following intelligence inputs alleging a cross-border conspiracy involving Pakistan-based handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Investigators alleged that narcotic substances were smuggled across the Line of Control and that proceeds from the trade were used to finance militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The agency said its investigation identified 16 accused, including four Pakistan-based alleged handlers. Of these, 10 accused have been arrested and charges have now been framed against them, while one accused is absconding. Four others, whom the SIA described as Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers, have been declared proclaimed offenders. Another accused was killed in an encounter, according to the agency.
The SIA said it has filed six charge sheets in the case and that three proclaimed offenders were arrested during the investigation.
According to the agency, the Special Court framed charges under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code, including offences related to alleged terrorist acts, conspiracy, raising funds for a terrorist organisation, waging war against the Government of India and other allied offences.
With the framing of charges, the trial will now proceed with the recording of prosecution evidence, the SIA said.
The agency added that legal proceedings against the absconding accused, as well as proceedings for attachment and forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to terrorist activities under the UAPA, are continuing.
