Hizbul Chief Salahuddin, 10 Others Chargesheeted By J&K Special Investigation Agency In Cross-Border Narco-Terror Case: Report

The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 individuals, including Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Mohammad Yusuf Shah, alias Syed Salahuddin, in connection with a major narco-terror case in Jammu, according to a PTI report.

According to an SIA spokesperson cited in the report, the probe in the case, initially registered in 2022, uncovered a well-organised network of terrorist associates and couriers aiding the proscribed outfit by facilitating smuggling of narcotics and raising funds for terror activities.

Besides Salahuddin, who hails from Sibugh village in Budgam and is currently operating from Pakistan, the chargesheet names another Hizbul terrorist, Basharat Ahmad Bhat of Khan Sahib in Budgam, who is said to be operating out of 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 from Jammu.

“This network as per the investigations has emerged as a major channel for terror financing in the region,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Investigators found that several individuals amassed significant wealth through drug proceeds despite negligible legitimate sources of income.

The investigation revealed a sophisticated modus operandi where narcotics were smuggled from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir, with proceeds deposited into the account of one of the accused under Pakistan-based terrorist Bhat’s instructions.

The accused were allegedly key players in distributing narcotics among local youth, with some employing others for sales operations.

According to the SIA spokesperson, the investigation points to a larger conspiracy spearheaded by Pakistan-sponsored Hizbul Mujahideen to destabilise the peaceful atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir by facilitating terrorist activities.

Further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend additional individuals linked to the network.

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