NIA Court Issues Fresh Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed
Jammu NIA court issues second non-bailable warrant against LeT founder in less than two months over alleged terror financing
- Saeed is accused of funding and directing terrorists operating in Kashmir
- Court directed the warrant to be sent to DIG, NIA Jammu, for execution
- Case began after the arrest of suspected terrorist Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat
- Earlier warrant was issued in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack
GG News Bureau
Jammu, 12th Sept: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu has issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Mohammad Saeed.
According to the NIA, its investigation has found that Saeed, who is based in Pakistan, allegedly provides financial assistance, weapons and directions to terrorists operating in Kashmir.
The agency informed the court that Saeed is a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the founder of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. It said he is currently in Pakistan and has been deliberately evading the law to avoid arrest.
The court, noting that the accused was absconding and that the investigating agency had been unable to secure his presence through normal legal processes, allowed the issuance of the non-bailable arrest warrant. It directed that the warrant be forwarded to the DIG, NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with law.
The case originated after Jammu and Kashmir Police apprehended a suspected terrorist during a security checkpoint at Gujjar Tent in the Pandach area. A Chinese-made grenade and 15 live cartridges were allegedly recovered from his possession.
During initial questioning, the accused was identified as Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, a Srinagar resident. An FIR was subsequently registered under relevant provisions of the UAPA, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.
The latest warrant is the second non-bailable warrant issued against Saeed by the Jammu NIA court in less than two months.
Earlier in July, the court issued a similar warrant against Saeed in connection with the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed. The NIA had named Saeed among the alleged masterminds of the attack and accused him of involvement in orchestrating the assault.
