SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches in the Kanispora area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district as part of its ongoing investigation into a militancy-related case.
Official sources said NIA teams searched the residence of Shaheen Ahmad Lone in Kanispora. Lone has been lodged in Tihar Jail for several years in connection with a case being investigated by the agency.
The searches come in the backdrop of earlier proceedings in which the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Jammu allowed an application filed by the agency seeking attachment of immovable properties allegedly belonging to Lone under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to investigation records, the case relates to the interception of a Hyundai i20 vehicle at the Al-Stop Naka near Mir Bazar in Kulgam on January 11, 2020. During the operation, arms, ammunition and other incriminating material were allegedly recovered from the vehicle.
The Ministry of Home Affairs subsequently transferred the investigation to the NIA, which formally took over the case on January 17, 2020.
The agency has alleged that Shaheen Ahmad Lone acted as an overground worker for proscribed militant organisations and was involved in facilitating the clandestine movement of arms, ammunition and explosives from across the Line of Control for distribution among militants operating in Kashmir.
Officials did not immediately disclose whether any material was seized during Wednesday’s searches. (KNT)
