Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at 10 locations in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a cross-border terror conspiracy involving Pakistan-based handlers of the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and their alleged network of local Over Ground Workers (OGWs).
The searches were conducted at locations in Kupwara, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla and Sopore to unearth further evidence relating to the conspiracy and to ascertain the roles of individuals providing logistical and other support to infiltrated terrorists, a statement issued by the NIA said.
“During the searches, incriminating material relevant to the case was seized/secured, which is being examined and corroborated with other evidence collected during the investigation,” it said.
The investigation commenced following the arrest of an OGW, associat with LeT, on the night of 31st March 2026 at a naka point. A hand grenade and live ammunition were recovered from his possession.
Further investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Pakistani nationals linked to the conspiracy and revealed the identities and suspected roles of members of the local support network, the statement said.
The investigation conducted so far has revealed linkages between Pakistan-based LeT handlers and their local associates, who were being used for communication, movement and concealment of infiltrated terrorists, provision of shelter, reconnaissance and other logistical facilitation, it said.
The NIA is also examining the financial trail, communication channels, movement of the accused, and the source and supply chain of arms and explosives, with a view to establishing the complete network and uncovering the extent of its activities.
The searches conducted today are part of NIA’s continuing investigation into the larger conspiracy and the support mechanism facilitating cross-border terrorism, the statement said.
The NIA continues its investigation to identify all persons involved in the conspiracy and establish their respective roles, the statement said.
NIA secures non-bailable warrant against India’s ‘most-wanted terrorist’ Hafiz Saeed
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has secured a non-bailable warrant against LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, India’s most-wanted terrorist, who is in Pakistan, in connection with a terror case related to the supply of weapons, funds, and directions to terror groups operating in the Union Territory.
This is the second non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Saeed in two months.
A Special Court in Jammu issued the NBW on September 8 while hearing an application filed by the NIA against Saeed, a designated terrorist under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The application described Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Punjab (Pakistan), as an “absconding accused” in a case related to the arrest of Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat during a check at Pandach on the outskirts of Srinagar earlier in the year.
A China-made grenade and 15 live rounds were recovered from Bhat, a resident of Batpora.
Bhat was booked at Zakoora Police Station under the UAPA, the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The subsequent investigation led to the busting of a terror network, leading to the arrest of several more terrorists associated with LeT and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), and two Pakistani nationals.
The NIA said the involvement of Saeed, the “Amir/Chief/Founder” of the proscribed terror group, came to light during the investigation, with the arrested Pakistani terrorists allegedly found to be associated with him.
“Saeed is operating from Pakistan and providing weapons, money and directions to terrorists operating in the Kashmir Valley. The information is gathered that the said terrorist at present is in Pakistan and deliberately evading his arrest to escape the clutches of law,” the NIA told the court.
After hearing the agency, Special Judge Prem Sagar observed that Saeed’s involvement had surfaced during the investigation and that he was “allegedly involved in terrorism.”
The judge noted that Saeed is at large and that the investigating agency has not been able to secure his attendance “in the ordinary manner,” and issued a general non-bailable warrant against him.
The latest warrant is the second non-bailable warrant issued against the LeT founder by the Special NIA Court in Jammu in two months.
On July 8, the court issued the first NBW against Saeed in connection with last April’s Pahalgam terror attack that left 25 tourists and a local dead.(PTI)
