The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 individuals, including Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) chief Mohammad Yusuf Shah alias Syed Salahudeen, in a cross-border narco-terror case. The case, initially registered by SIA, Jammu in 2022, pertains to a terror financing network involving Pakistan-based outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
The investigation revealed a well-organized network of terrorist associates and couriers who were aiding HM by facilitating narcotics smuggling and raising funds for the banned organization. According to the SIA, this network has emerged as a major channel for terror financing in the region.
The chargesheet names several accused, including Basharat Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Budgam now based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Other accused include Khalid Hussain of Rajouri, Mohd Shokit of Poonch, Javid Ahmed Rather of Budgam, Manzoor Ahmad and Asif Rehman Reshi of Srinagar, and Harpreet Singh, Chain Singh, Sahil Kumar, and Sandeepak Singh of Jammu.
The investigation revealed a systematic modus operandi wherein narcotics were smuggled from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. The proceeds from the sale of these drugs were then deposited into the account of one of the accused, under the instructions of Basharat Ahmad Bhat. Some of the accused were responsible for distributing narcotics among local youths, while others reportedly employed other accused for selling narcotics to their clientele.
The SIA spokesperson stated that several individuals involved in the network have amassed significant wealth through drug proceeds, despite having negligible legitimate sources of income. The investigation points to a larger conspiracy by HM to destabilize peace in Jammu and Kashmir by facilitating terrorist activities.
The SIA said that the filing of the chargesheet reflects its firm commitment to dismantling terror-financing ecosystems and preserving peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Further investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals who might be involved in the network.
