Srinagar, Aug 7 (UNI) A Special Court designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act in Srinagar has framed charges in a high-profile terror funding case, investigated by the Counter Intelligence Wing of Jammu and Kashmir police.
The charges under Sections 13, 38, 39, 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, read with Section 120-B of the IPC, have been framed against two accused — Shabir Ahmad Bhat of Khadermoh Kakapora, and Javaid Ahmad Yatoo, of Patalbagh Pampore in a case registered in police station CIK Kashmir in 2024.
Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against absconding Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).handler Sumama alias Babar alias Ilyas, currently based in Pakistan.
According to the investigation conducted by CIK the case revolves around a sophisticated terror funding conspiracy executed by LeT operatives across the Line of Control. The accused allegedly funneled terror funds into Jammu & Kashmir via a network of couriers disguised as pilgrims, expatriates, and businessmen, with support from Pakistani nationals based in Gulf and other foreign territories.
A statement by CIK said during the course of investigation, it was conclusively established that Shabir Bhat was in constant and secure digital communication with the Pakistan-based LeT handler Sumama, using encrypted messaging applications.
‘In Saudi Arabia while performing Umrah, Shabir Bhat, on the instructions of the handler, received large sums of Saudi Riyals from known LeT conduits in Madina. Additionally, he coordinated with other Kashmiri residents who had travelled for Umrah, instructing them to collect money from specific individuals whose identities and locations were shared by him. Upon returning to Kashmir, these couriers handed over the funds to Shabir, who then converted the foreign currency into Indian rupees and further distributed the funds among active terrorists and their families, as per directions from the LeT handler, ” the CiK said.
The investigation also revealed the pivotal role of another accused Javaid Yatoo in facilitating and establishing contact between Shabir and the LeT handler in Pakistan.
“His involvement was instrumental in enabling the functioning of this trans-national funding module, ” the statement added.
The framing of charges in this case marks an important milestone in the sustained efforts of Counter Intelligence Kashmir to identify, expose and dismantle terror funding networks operating under the radar. It highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led and legally robust investigations, executed within the bounds of due process, in targeting the financial backbone of terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.
The CIK said that two more individuals: Mohammad Ayoub Bhat of Kothipora Chattergam, Budgam and Mohammad Rafiq Shah of HIG Colony Qamarwari, Srinagar have also been recently arrested in the case.
“The further investigation led to the seizure of electronic devices, bank statements, transaction logs, and other documents which expose a deeply embedded and covert hawala infrastructure used to fund terrorism. These recoveries have further corroborated the existence of a well-structured, underground financial network sustaining terrorism in the region, ” CIK statement said, adding that arrests of additional co-conspirators are likely as the investigation continues to unfold.
