According to the agency’s statement, the recent arrests of Mohd Sharief Chechi, Farooq Ahmad Jungal, and Saif Din have led to their inclusion in the chargesheet under several sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, the Narcotic Drug Psychotropic Substance Act, and the Indian Penal Code. These charges relate to criminal conspiracy and fundraising for Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), a banned terrorist outfit.
Highlighting the significant intervention of SIA Jammu, authorities disclosed the seizure of Rs 10 lakh in cash and the freezing of over Rs 70 lakh in bank accounts, believed to be proceeds from narcotics smuggled from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The remaining three accused, identified as Hamidullah Khuroo, Farooq Ahmad Shawl, and Javid Ahmad Chalkoo, all associated with HM, are currently at large in Pakistan.
The accused were allegedly engaged in smuggling heroin from PoK, with operations spanning Uri, Hathlanga, and Baramulla, before distributing and selling the contraband in Jammu. The amassed proceeds were purportedly earmarked for Hizb-ul-Mujahideen’s over ground workers (OGWs) to finance anti-national activities and other terrorist endeavours.
SIA Jammu’s latest actions, including the filing of the supplementary chargesheet and apprehensions, have effectively thwarted the influx of substantial sums of money into channels linked with terrorist activities, the statement emphasized.
Furthermore, the crackdown on the accused has been instrumental in safeguarding the futures of numerous youths who could have been ensnared in the cycle of terror.
The agency disclosed that proceedings to attach the accused’s properties under sections 82/83 of the law have been initiated, aiming to undermine assets amassed through illicit means.
The investigation uncovered a well-organized drug syndicate, involving individuals such as Farooq Ahmad Naikoo, operating from Dubai, along with other key players. These individuals allegedly collaborated with HM operatives in Pakistan to smuggle narcotics into India, with proceeds earmarked for funding separatist and terror activities, the statement concluded.
