NIA Arrests Key Accused in Jammu and Kashmir Narco-Terror Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant breakthrough by arresting Syed Saleem Jahangir Andrabi, a key figure in a narco-terror case. Andrabi, who had been evading capture since June 2020, is linked to Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).

Background

Andrabi, a resident of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir, was charged under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His arrest is seen as a major success in NIA’s efforts to dismantle the narco-terror network in India.

Investigation Details

The NIA took over the investigation on June 26, 2020, from local police. During the investigation, it was found that Andrabi was part of a conspiracy to procure and sell narcotic drugs to generate funds for terrorism. The conspiracy involved drug smugglers and operatives of banned terrorist outfits LeT and HM, based in Pakistan.

Initial Arrest

The case was initially registered at Handwara police station after the arrest of Abdul Momin Peer. Police intercepted Peer’s Hyundai CRETA vehicle, seizing Rs 20,01,000 in cash and 2 kgs of Heroin. Further questioning led to the recovery of an additional 15 kgs of Heroin and Rs 1.15 crores in cash.

Ongoing Investigations

So far, the NIA has chargesheeted 15 accused in the case through various chargesheets filed between December 2020 and February 2023. Investigations are still ongoing.