Srinagar, Apr 9, KDC: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to take over the investigation into the recently busted interstate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module in Srinagar, with officials indicating that the central agency may also seek custody of two Pakistani terrorists arrested along with three local associated in the case.
The development comes days after Srinagar Police dismantled a “deep-rooted” LeT network and arrested five operatives, including two Pakistani nationals—Abdullah alias Abu Hureira and Usman alias Khubaib, along with their local associates.
Sources told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that the case, given its interstate linkages and wider terror ramifications, is expected to be handed over to the NIA for a comprehensive probe.
They said that once the NIA formally takes over the investigation, it is likely to seek custody of the two foreign terrorists, who are currently in police remand following orders by a special court in Srinagar.
A designated court had earlier remanded the accused to 10-day police custody, observing that the offences were “serious and grave in nature” and posed a threat to the security and sovereignty of the country.
The terror module, headed by Abu Hureira—who had reportedly been active in Jammu and kashmir for nearly 16 years—was unearthed following a multi-state operation involving raids across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Haryana.
Investigations revealed that the accused had established a network using forged identities and documents, facilitating movement across states and providing logistical support, including shelter, funding and safe houses to foreign terrorists.
Police also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-series rifles, pistols, hand grenades and electronic devices, during searches at multiple locations.
In this connection, a case has been registered at Police Station Zakoora under FIR No. 24/2026 under Sections 18, 19, 20, 23, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with Section 7/25 of the Arms Act and Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Officials said the probe has exposed the financial and operational network of the LeT, with nearly 40 suspects detained for questioning so far, and more arrests likely as the investigation progresses.
Among those questioned were shopkeepers, private employees and a student identified as Shazia, daughter of a former terrorist, who was also detained; investigators suspect she was in contact with Pakistani terrorist Abu Hureira. Three mobile phones were seized during the operation.
On April 2, more detentions followed in Nawakadal, Rainawari, and Zakura, including members of a single family. Some were later released after questioning. Arrests have accompanied the recoveries of arms.
The NIA’s takeover is expected to further widen the scope of the investigation, particularly to examine interstate linkages, funding channels and possible international connections linked to the terror module, they added. (KDC)
