A National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in J&K ordered the framing of charges against members of an alleged Pakistan-backed narco-terror syndicate on Thursday (July 16, 2026).
| Photo Credit: PTI
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in J&K ordered the framing of charges against members of an alleged Pakistan-backed narco-terror syndicate on Thursday (July 16, 2026). They are accused of financing terrorist activities in J&K using money generated from narcotics smuggling, a spokesman of the J&K Police’s State Investigation Agency (SIA) said.
The Special Court, after hearing the prosecution, has ordered the framing of charges against 10 “available accused” under stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Indian Penal Code. These include offences relating to waging war against the Government of India, conspiracy to wage war, terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organisations, membership of and support to terrorist organisations, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and forgery.
The SIA filed six “comprehensive chargesheets” against all 16 accused. “It clears the way for the trial of members of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) syndicate accused of funding terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through narcotics smuggling,” the SIA spokesman said.
The SIA had registered a case in October 2022 on the basis of credible intelligence regarding a highly organised cross-border conspiracy orchestrated by LeT handlers based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Narco funds for terror
“The SIA Kashmir established that the syndicate used the illicit proceeds to finance terrorism, to sustain terrorist infrastructure, and to strengthen the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory,” the spokesman said.
The SIA said that it uncovered a larger conspiracy involving 16 people, including four Pakistan and PoJK-based terrorist handlers.
The SIA said around 11 accused have been arrested while Sageer Ahmad Poswal, a resident of Amrohi Arna, Kupwara, was absconding. It said the Pakistan/PoJK-based accused, who have been declared proclaimed offenders and are absconding, include Tariq Ahmad Malik Dilawar, Alif-ud-Din Badana, Mushtaq Ahmad Naik and Firdous Ahmad Dar. The SIA said one accused, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik alias Rahee, had been killed in Kashmir.
The SIA said the framing of charges marks a decisive stage in the prosecution and reflects the strength of the evidence collected during the investigation. “The trial will now proceed with the recording of prosecution evidence,” it added.
The SIA said it continues to pursue the absconding Pakistan/PoJK-based accused in accordance with law. “Simultaneously, proceedings for attachment and forfeiture of properties linked to terrorist activities under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are also underway,” the SIA said.
Published – July 16, 2026 11:06 pm IST
