Raids across Srinagar, Shopian and Ganderbal; Pakistan-based LeT handler from Bangladesh surfaces in probe
Srinagar, Mar 26 : In a major counter-terror operation, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has unearthed a cross-border recruitment module and arrested a key operative linked with handlers based in Pakistan and Bangladesh following extensive searches across multiple districts of the Valley.
In a statement issued here to news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) conducted extensive searches at multiple locations across the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian, leading to the busting of a significant terrorist recruitment module operating in coordination with handlers from across the Line of Control (LoC) and in connivance with a network based in Bangladesh.
The searches were carried out at 10 locations in the Kashmir Valley in pursuance of search warrants issued by the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, in connection with case FIR No. 01/2026 under Sections 13, 17, 18, 18-B, 20, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act registered at Police Station CIK.
During the course of investigation, it has emerged that the module is being handled by a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Shabir Ahmad Lone originally hailing from Kangan, in Ganderbal district of Kashmir, who operates under multiple aliases including Raju and Zafar Saddique. The handler is highly radicalised and trained, having undergone structured arms training (Daura-e-Aam and Daura-e-Khas) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Shabbir initially worked as an over-ground worker for a terrorist outfit in the late 1990s before joining terrorist organisation LeT in the early 2000s. He later infiltrated into India via the Bangladesh border and has remained actively involved in terror-related activities, including conspiracy in high-profile attacks. After facing legal proceedings in India in the past, he exfiltrated to Bangladesh, where he has since been operating and coordinating terrorist recruitment and network expansion.
Investigations have further revealed that Shabbir Ahmed Lone is in close touch with senior leadership of proscribed terrorist organisations and has played a key role in reviving cross-border terror modules, including those recently unearthed in different parts of the country. He is currently believed to be based in Bangladesh and continues to direct operations through a network of associates and over-ground workers as such is most wanted terrorist operating from foreign land.
In a related development, CIK had earlier arrested one of his close associates, Irfan Ahmad Wani, a 45-year-old individual from Heerpura, Shopian, who was working as a religious functionary at a local mosque. Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused was in continuous contact with the handler Shabbir Ahmed Lone and other terrorists based in Pakistan and Afghanistan through encrypted messaging platforms.
Statement further reads, He was actively engaged in facilitating recruitment, radicalisation, and logistical support at the local level.
The investigation has further revealed that the module was using encrypted communication platforms and other digital means to maintain secrecy and coordinate with handlers across borders.
During the searches conducted today, incriminating materials including digital devices, SIM cards, mobile phones, laptops, and other documents having bearing on the investigation were recovered and seized, it reads.
The ongoing investigation is aimed at dismantling the broader terror ecosystem by identifying and taking strict legal action against all individuals involved, including over-ground workers (OGWs), facilitators, conduits, and sympathisers operating both within the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and from foreign soil, including Bangladesh.
CIK reiterates its firm commitment to safeguarding national security and urges the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and stability, the statement reads. (KNC)
