SRINAGAR : The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested an alleged narco-terror operative who had been absconding for nearly four years in connection with a case involving the alleged smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC) and diversion of proceeds from their sale towards terrorist activities.
The accused, identified as Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, son of P.K. Bhat and a resident of Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, was arrested during a special operation in Jammu, the SIA said in a statement on Monday.
Bhat was wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022, registered by SIA Kashmir on June 3, 2022, concerning an alleged narco-terror conspiracy involving the trafficking of narcotics from across the LoC and channelisation of the proceeds towards financing terrorist activities.
According to the agency, the investigation has uncovered an alleged network involving Pakistan/PoK-based operatives of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The SIA alleged that narcotics were trafficked into Jammu and Kashmir, distributed through an established network and the proceeds generated from their sale were subsequently used to sustain terrorist activities.
The agency alleged that Bhat played a role in facilitating the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Jammu division, thereby contributing to the financial pipeline of the wider network.
The investigation has also established alleged links with a resident of Kralteng, Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, son of late Abdul Majeed Khan of Braman Panzala, Baramulla. The SIA alleged that they arranged and facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through the network operating in J&K.
The case was initially registered following the recovery of one kilogram of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore. Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of seven kilograms of poppy straw and four kilograms of poppy seeds, the agency said.
The SIA further said that 15 grams of heroin had earlier been recovered from the residential premises of Bhat. One motorcycle and electronic gadgets were also seized and are currently undergoing forensic and technical examination.
During the investigation, the SIA filed multiple chargesheets before the competent court against six accused persons: Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sofi, of Muqdam Mohalla, Radbugh Drugmulla, Kupwara; Waseem Ahmad Khan, son of Mohammad Saleem Khan, of Rangai, Uri, Baramulla; Bashir Ahmad Koli, son of late Matu Koli, of Churanda, Uri, Baramulla; Mohammad Ashraf Lone, son of Mohammad Subhan Lone, of Saidpora Rohama, Baramulla; Mohammad Saleem Khan, son of Mohammad Shareef, of Kalgai Ramgai, Uri; and Zafraan Khan, son of Shafi Ullah Khan, of Dawran, Uri.
The agency said the investigation had further revealed the involvement of a broader network allegedly associated with Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan/PoK-based handlers.
Bhat had been evading arrest since the registration of the case in 2022. His arrest followed what the SIA described as sustained efforts involving technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures.
The agency said the arrest was significant in tracing absconders and alleged facilitators, financiers and handlers involved in the network.
In a separate terror-related case, the SIA said it had also secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against alleged terrorist handler and narco-terror operative Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, whom it accused of being involved in directing and financing terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The agency said the latest arrest could help investigators unravel further layers of the alleged conspiracy, identify additional linkages, trace the financial trail and establish the chain connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing.
The investigation remains ongoing, the SIA said.
