Srinagar, July 16 (GNS):A Special NIA Court has ordered framing of charges in a major narco-terror case registered by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir, paving the way for the trial of a Pakistan-backed network accused of funding terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir through narcotics smuggling.
In a handout to GNS, a spokesman said that the case, FIR No. 19/2022 of Police Station SIA Kashmir, was registered in October 2022 following intelligence about a cross-border conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers of proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.
According to SIA, the investigation established that the syndicate smuggled narcotics across the Line of Control into J&K and used the proceeds to finance terrorist activities, sustain terror infrastructure, and strengthen the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.
During the investigation, SIA identified 16 accused persons, including four Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers. Ten of the accused are currently in custody, while one person from Kupwara is absconding. Four accused based in Pakistan/PoJK have been declared proclaimed offenders. Another accused from Sopore was killed in an encounter.
SIA Kashmir has filed six comprehensive charge sheets in the case. Three proclaimed offenders were also arrested during the course of the investigation.
After hearing the prosecution, the court ordered framing of charges against the ten available accused under stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Indian Penal Code. The charges include offences relating to waging war against the Government of India, conspiracy to wage war, terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organizations, membership and support to terrorist organizations, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and forgery.
With charges now framed, the trial will proceed with the recording of prosecution evidence before the competent court.
SIA said proceedings are also underway for attachment and forfeiture of properties linked to terrorist activities under UAPA. Legal action against the absconding Pakistan/PoJK-based accused will continue in accordance with law.
The agency described the framing of charges as a decisive stage in the prosecution and said it reaffirms SIA Kashmir’s commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of terrorism by targeting the nexus between narcotics trafficking and cross-border terrorism, reads the statement. (GNS)
