Srinagar: A special NIA court in Srinagar has framed charges against two individuals in a high-profile terror-funding case linked to handlers and commanders of the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operating from across the Line of Control (LoC).
The case was investigated by the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
According to a CIK spokesperson, the court designated under the NIA Act has framed charges under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Shabir Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Khadermoh Kakapora, and Javaid Ahmad Yatoo from Patalbagh Pampore.
Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against Sumama, also known as Babar or Ilyas, a Pakistan-based LeT handler who remains absconding and is a key accused in the case.
The case revolves around a sophisticated criminal conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by LeT operatives across the LoC. In collaboration with Pakistani nationals based in Gulf countries and other foreign locations, they reportedly funneled terror funds into Jammu and Kashmir.
“These funds were routed through a covert network using couriers posing as pilgrims, expatriates, and businessmen. The illicit financial transfers were masked as religious and commercial travel,” the spokesperson said.
The investigation established that Shabir Ahmad Bhat maintained secure digital communication with the Pakistan-based handler using encrypted messaging apps. While performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, Bhat reportedly received large amounts of Saudi Riyals from known LeT operatives in Madina on the handler’s instructions.
Bhat also coordinated with other Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims, directing them to collect money from designated individuals. Upon their return to Kashmir, these couriers handed over the funds to Bhat, who then converted the foreign currency into Indian rupees and distributed the money to active terrorists and their families, as instructed by the LeT handler.
The probe also uncovered Javaid Ahmad Yatoo’s critical role in facilitating contact between Bhat and the Pakistan-based handler, making him a key enabler in the transnational terror funding network.
Two more suspects — Mohammad Ayoub Bhat of Kothipora Chattergam, Budgam, and Mohammad Rafiq of Qamarwari, Srinagar — have also been arrested in connection with the case.
Subsequent searches led to the recovery of electronic devices, bank statements, transaction records, and other documents, revealing a well-organised and deeply concealed hawala network used to finance terrorism in the region.
“These findings further confirm the existence of a structured and secret financial infrastructure sustaining terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesperson said, adding that more arrests of co-conspirators are expected as the investigation progresses.
