Srinagar, August 7 (KNS): In a major development in the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Special NIA Court in Srinagar has framed charges in a high-profile terror funding case.
The case (FIR No. 02/2024 of Police Station Counter Intelligence Kashmir) is linked to a cross-border Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror funding network.
Charges have been framed under Sections 13, 38, 39, and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, read with Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), against two accused — Shabir Ahmad Bhat, son of Gh. Mohammad Bhat, resident of Khadermoh Kakapora, and Javaid Ahmad Yatoo, son of Ab. Majeed, resident of Patalbagh Pampore.
Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against a Pakistan-based LeT handler, identified as Sumama alias Babar alias Ilyas, who is currently absconding.
The investigation, led by Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), uncovered a well-planned conspiracy designed by LeT handlers across the Line of Control (LoC), in coordination with Pakistani nationals based in Gulf countries and other foreign locations. The network was responsible for sending terror funds into J&K by using couriers posing as pilgrims, expatriates, and businessmen to hide illegal transactions.
Investigators found that Shabir Ahmad Bhat remained in regular encrypted communication with Pakistan-based handler Sumama while he was in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelActing on instructions, Bhat received large amounts of Saudi Riyals from known LeT contacts in Madina.
He also coordinated with other Kashmiri residents performing Umrah, directing them to collect money from specific individuals. After returning to Kashmir, these individuals handed over the collected funds to Bhat. He then converted the money into Indian rupees and distributed it among active terrorists and their families, as directed by the LeT handler.
The investigation revealed that Javaid Ahmad Yatoo played a crucial role in connecting Shabir Ahmad Bhat with the LeT handler in Pakistan. His support was vital in ensuring the smooth operation of this trans-national funding module.
Two more individuals — Mohammad Ayoub Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, resident of Kothipora Chattergam, Budgam, and Mohammad Rafiq Shah, son of Sharief U Din Shah, resident of HIG Colony, Green Park near Anjum Masjid Qamarwari, Srinagar — have also been arrested in connection with the case.
Further investigation led to the seizure of multiple incriminating materials including electronic devices, bank statements, transaction logs, and documents revealing a deeply embedded hawala network used to fund terrorism.(KNS)