2 weeks ago
SIA Kashmir Arrests Absconding Narco-Terror Operative After Four Years
In a place called Kashmir, there are special police officers called the State Investigation Agency.
They investigate serious crimes like smuggling and terrorism.
For almost four years, they were looking for a man named Manoj Kumar Bhat, also called Pintu.
He was hiding because police said he helped bring drugs across a border line called the Line of Control.
The police believe the money from selling those drugs was used to pay for terrorism.
Finally, the police caught him in the city of Jammu.
They found drugs like heroin and poppy straw at his home.
The police say this arrest is a big step in stopping the drug and terror network.
Some people in the area are happy, but they say the police must keep working so drugs stop reaching young people.
SIA Kashmir arrested Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, a Jammu resident, after a nearly four-year manhunt.
He was wanted under FIR No. 13/2022, registered on June 3, 2022, for cross-LoC narcotics smuggling and terror financing.
Officials allege a conspiracy backed by Pakistan and PoK-based Hizbul Mujahideen operatives, with drug profits funding militant operations.
Seizures included one kilogram of heroin recovered in Sopore, plus seven kilograms of poppy straw, four kilograms of poppy seeds, and 15 grams of heroin from Bhat's residence.
An Interpol Red Corner Notice has been issued against handler Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, and chargesheets have been filed against accused from Baramulla, Kupwara, and Uri.
- Who
- Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, a resident of Jammu, arrested by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir.
- What
- Arrest of an absconding narco-terror operative linked to cross-LoC narcotics trafficking and terror financing.
- Where
- Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir; narcotics were trafficked across the Line of Control (LoC).
- When
- Arrested on Monday after nearly four years; FIR No. 13/2022 was registered on June 3, 2022.
- Why
- The accused allegedly facilitated the sale and distribution of narcotics, with proceeds used to finance terrorist activities.
Official Position
Public Concern
Impact of arrests on drug flow
Official Position
SIA officials say the arrest shows absconders cannot escape indefinitely and the chain of trafficking and financing is being pursued to its end, helping break the financial pipeline.
Public Concern
A shopkeeper in Nowpora says the flow of drugs has not stopped despite arrests and young people remain vulnerable, urging that action must continue.
Key facts
- Arrested individual
- Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, resident of Jammu
- Investigating agency
- State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir
- FIR
- No. 13/2022, registered June 3, 2022
- Alleged offence
- Cross-LoC narcotics smuggling and terror financing
- Seized contraband
- 1 kg heroin (Sopore), 7 kg poppy straw, 4 kg poppy seeds, 15 g heroin
- Alleged backing
- Pakistan and PoK-based Hizbul Mujahideen operatives
- Interpol action
- Red Corner Notice against handler Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo
- Chargesheets
- Filed against accused from Baramulla, Kupwara, and Uri
Quotes
SIA officer
Official from the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir
“During the probe, we established Bhat's direct links with Hizbul handlers operating from across the border. The network used narcotics as a tool to finance terrorism and destabilise peace.”
NDTV
“"This arrest shows that absconders cannot escape indefinitely. The chain of trafficking and financing is being pursued to its end."”
republicworld.com
shopkeeper in Nowpora
Local shopkeeper in Nowpora, Kashmir
“"If these arrests break the financial chain, it will help reduce both drugs and terrorism. But the action must continue."”
republicworld.com
Spokesperson of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir
Official representing the SIA Kashmir
“"SIA Kashmir has achieved a significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to dismantle the narco‑terror ecosystem operating in Jammu & Kashmir with the arrest of an absconding operative who had been evading arrest for nearly four years."”
m.rediff.com
Sources
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