Srinagar, July 16, KDC: A Special NIA Court has framed charges against 10 accused in a narco-terror case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, paving the way for commencement of the trial, officials said on Thursday.
According to an SIA statement, the case (FIR No. 19/2022) was registered in October 2022 following intelligence inputs alleging a cross-border conspiracy involving Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK)-based handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The agency alleged that the network smuggled narcotic substances across the Line of Control into Jammu and Kashmir and used the proceeds to finance terrorist activities.
The SIA claimed that its investigation identified the involvement of 16 accused, including four alleged Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers. Of them, 10 accused are in custody and have now been charged by the Special NIA Court under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Indian Penal Code.
According to the agency, one accused, Sageer Ahmad Poswal of Kupwara, remains absconding, while four other accused alleged to be based in Pakistan or PoJK have been declared proclaimed offenders. The SIA also said that another accused, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik alias Rahee, was killed in an encounter.
The agency said it has filed six charge sheets against all 16 accused and that the investigation also led to the arrest of three proclaimed offenders who had allegedly been evading arrest.
The Special NIA Court, after hearing the prosecution, framed charges against the 10 accused under various provisions, including offences related to waging war against the Government of India, criminal conspiracy, terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organisations, membership and support of terrorist organisations, destruction of evidence and forgery, the statement said.
According to the SIA, the framing of charges marks the beginning of the trial stage, with prosecution evidence to be recorded before the competent court.
The agency said legal proceedings against the absconding accused are continuing and that proceedings for attachment and forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to terrorist activities are also underway under the provisions of the UAPA. (KDC)
