Background of the Case
On July 5, 2025, the Jammu & Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) filed a chargesheet in Jammu against 11 accused—including Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Mohammad Yusuf Shah, alias Syed Salahuddin—under a 2022 narco-terror case. The FIR revealed a sophisticated terror financing network using narcotics smuggling to fund militant activities in J&K 0.
Key Accused Named
The chargesheet targets Pakistan-based operatives Syed Salahuddin (Budgam) and Basharat Ahmad Bhat (Rawalpindi), along with nine others from various districts: Khalid Hussain (Rajouri), Harpreet Singh and Sahil Kumar (Jammu), Mohammad Shokit (Poonch), Javid Ahmed Rather (Budgam), Manzoor Ahmad and Asif Rehman Reshi (Srinagar), Chain Singh (Bishnah), and Sandeepak Singh (Jammu) 1.
Modus Operandi
Investigators uncovered a mechanism where narcotics were trafficked from Pakistan into Jammu & Kashmir and distributed locally, especially targeting youth. Proceeds from the drug sales were deposited into accounts controlled by the accused, allegedly at Bhat’s instruction 2.
Financing Terror and Destabilising Peace
The SIA described the network as a major terror funding channel for Hizbul Mujahideen, with several participants accumulating substantial wealth through illicit drug trade despite lacking legitimate income sources 3.
Cross‑Border Nexus and Ongoing Investigation
Central to the conspiracy is the cross-border coordination with Pakistan-based commanders directing the financial framework. The SIA continues probing to identify and arrest additional operatives linked to the narco-terror nexus 4.
Quiz Trivia
- Who is Syed Salahuddin? Head of Hizbul Mujahideen and United Jihad Council, designated a global terrorist.
- When was the FIR filed? 2022.
- Number of accused: 11 individuals, including two Pakistan-based.
- Main funding mechanism: Sale of narcotics trafficked from Pakistan.
Source: The Times Of India