NIA Attaches Property of Hizbul Mujahideen Operative in Sarpanch Killing Case

The NIA attached the property of Nasir Rashid Bhat, an overground worker of Hizbul Mujahideen, involved in the killing of Kulgam's Sarpanch. The attachment follows investigations revealing a plot to destabilize India through violent attacks.

In a steadfast move to dismantle terror networks, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday attached the property of an overground worker (OGW) of the Kashmiri terror outfit, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The action concerns the targeted killing of the Adoora-Kulgam Sarpanch. The property in question, a residential house owned by Nasir Rashid Bhat in Tengpora village, Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian, has been seized under Section 33 (1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1947, as per the orders of the NIA Special Judge in Jammu.

Bhat, along with other members of the outlawed Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist organization, was charged with the assassination of the Sarpanch on March 11, 2022, aimed at spreading terror among the public. The NIA, which took over the case from Kulgam police, discovered that the killing was part of a larger HM conspiracy to undermine India's unity, sovereignty, and security through violent acts and killings.

Further investigations by the NIA disclosed that Bhat had provided his Alto car to the terrorists and was actively involved in conducting reconnaissance of the Sarpanch's house. He also informed the HM terrorists about the Sarpanch's presence and used his car to transport the assailants to the vicinity on the day of the attack. Six accused have been charge-sheeted, and their trial is ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)