J&K Police Bust Jail-Linked Terror Financing Network in Shopian, 10 Arrested

Javaid Bhatt, The Pillar India

Srinagar, Oct 30: Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted an alleged intra-UT terror financing network linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF) in Shopian district, arresting ten persons suspected of being involved in raising and channelising funds for terrorist activities.According to a police statement, the investigation began with an examination of suspicious online financial transactions conducted through various payment platforms. Analysis of the transactions helped investigators trace money trails across multiple layers and uncover alleged links with individuals associated with terrorists lodged in different jails.The arrested persons have been identified as Owais Shafi Naikoo of Saidpora Bala, Shopian; Tajamul Ahmad Shah of Rawalpora, Shopian; Moiz Iqbal of Chitragam Kalan; Imdad Yousuf Ganie of Chitragam Kalan; Saqib Zahoor Wani of Murran, Pulwama; Aamir Ahmad Ganie of Armolah, Pulwama; Firdous Thokar of Nadigund, Trenz; Liyaqat Nazir Lone of Murran, Pulwama; Mohammad Hanief and Kaju, both residents of Check Haria, Kathua.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were allegedly collecting money from the public and routing it through established financial channels to support activities linked to LeT/TRF, police said.The funds were also allegedly being used to arrange logistical assistance, including smartphones, to facilitate terrorist activities.Police said further investigation is underway to identify additional members of the network, trace financial connections and establish the extent of the alleged operation. More arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.