SRINAGAR: A Special NIA Court has framed charges against 10 accused in a major narco-terror case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, clearing the way for trial in what investigators describe as a Pakistan-backed network that allegedly financed terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through proceeds from cross-border narcotics smuggling.
The case, registered as FIR No. 19/2022 at Police Station SIA Kashmir in October 2022, stems from intelligence inputs indicating that handlers based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), allegedly linked to the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had established a cross-border syndicate to smuggle narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir and channel the profits towards terror activities.
According to the SIA, the investigation uncovered a wider conspiracy involving 16 accused, including four Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers. The agency alleged that the network used drug trafficking proceeds to finance terrorist operations, sustain militant infrastructure and strengthen the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.
Of the 16 accused, 10 are currently in custody and have now been charged by the Special Court. One accused from Kupwara remains absconding, while four alleged Pakistan/PoJK-based handlers have been declared proclaimed offenders. Another accused, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik alias Rahee, was killed in an encounter during the course of the investigation.
The SIA said it has filed six charge sheets against all 16 accused and also succeeded in arresting three proclaimed offenders who had been evading arrest.
After hearing the prosecution, the Special Court ordered framing of charges under various provisions of the **Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act**, the **Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)** and the **Indian Penal Code**. The charges include waging war against the Government of India, criminal conspiracy, terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organisations, membership and support of terrorist groups, destruction of evidence and forgery.
With charges now framed, the trial will proceed with the recording of prosecution evidence before the court.
The SIA said legal proceedings against the absconding accused, including those based in Pakistan and PoJK, will continue in accordance with law. It added that proceedings for attachment and forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to terrorist activities under the UAPA are also underway.
The agency described the court’s order as a significant step in dismantling the financial infrastructure of terrorism and reiterated its commitment to targeting the nexus between narcotics trafficking and cross-border terrorism.
