Jammu, Sept 13: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu has issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, according to the agency.
The NIA told the court that its investigation had found Saeed, who is based in Pakistan, allegedly providing financial support, weapons and directions to terrorists operating in Kashmir.
The agency submitted that Saeed is a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the founder of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. It also informed the court that he is currently in Pakistan and has been evading arrest.
Taking note of the investigating agency’s inability to secure his presence through normal legal proceedings, the court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant and directed that it be forwarded to the DIG, NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with law.
The case stems from the arrest of a suspected terrorist during a security checkpoint at Gujjar Tent in the Pandach area. Police had allegedly recovered a Chinese grenade and 15 live cartridges from his possession.
During questioning, the suspect was identified as Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, a Srinagar resident. An FIR was subsequently registered under relevant provisions of the UAPA, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.
The latest warrant is the second non-bailable warrant issued against Saeed by the Jammu NIA court in less than two months.
In July, the court had issued a similar warrant against Saeed in connection with the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed. The NIA has alleged that Saeed was among the masterminds behind the attack.
