Srinaga: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Monday arrested an absconding accused who had allegedly been evading arrest for nearly four years in connection with a narco-terror financing case involving cross-Line of Control (LoC) narcotics smuggling and alleged funding of terrorist activities.
The accused, identified as Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, a resident of Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, was arrested during a special operation in Jammu. He is wanted in FIR No. 13/2022 of SIA Kashmir, registered on June 3, 2022, in connection with the alleged smuggling of narcotics from across the LoC and the alleged channelisation of proceeds from their sale towards financing terrorism.
According to SIA, the arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into an alleged narco-terror network linked to Pakistan/PoK-based operatives of the banned militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. The agency claimed that narcotics were allegedly trafficked into Jammu and Kashmir through cross-border channels and distributed through a local network, with proceeds allegedly diverted towards terror-related activities.
SIA said Manoj Kumar Bhat had been absconding since the registration of the case and was apprehended following sustained technical surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated investigative efforts.
Investigators alleged that the accused played a role in facilitating the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Jammu region and was part of the financial chain of the alleged narco-terror network.
According to the agency, the investigation has revealed alleged links with Pakistan/PoK-based handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Kandoo, a resident of Kralteng, Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan of Braman Panzala, Baramulla. SIA alleged that the duo facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir into Jammu and Kashmir.
The case was initially registered following the recovery of one kilogram of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore. During the subsequent investigation, the agency said it recovered seven kilograms of poppy straw and four kilograms of poppy seeds. It also claimed that 15 grams of heroin had earlier been recovered from the residence of Manoj Kumar Bhat.
A motorcycle and electronic gadgets seized during the investigation are currently undergoing forensic and technical examination, the agency said.
SIA has already filed charge-sheets before the competent court against six accused persons — Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi of Kupwara, Waseem Ahmad Khan of Uri, Bashir Ahmad Koli of Uri, Mohammad Ashraf Lone of Rohama, Mohammad Saleem Khan of Uri and Zafraan Khan of Uri.
The agency further said it had secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against alleged terrorist handler Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case, describing the move as part of efforts to pursue Pakistan-based handlers and fugitives allegedly involved in directing and financing terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
SIA said the latest arrest is expected to assist investigators in tracing the alleged financial trail, identifying additional linkages and uncovering further aspects of the conspiracy.
The investigation is continuing. All allegations and findings of the investigation remain subject to judicial scrutiny before the competent court.
