The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take over the investigation of the inter-state terrorist module of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) recently captured in Srinagar. Officials have indicated that the central agency will also seek the custody of two Pakistani terrorists arrested in this case.
This development has come to light a day after a Srinagar court sent five accused on ten-day remand to Srinagar Police. Jammu and Kashmir Police has claimed to have dismantled a ‘deep-rooted’ network of LeT and arrested five operatives.
These include two Pakistani citizens Abdullah alias Abu Huraira and Usman alias Khubaib and their local associates. Abdullah and Usman were arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police in collaboration with Punjab Police in a joint operation from Malerkotla on March 28, while the other accused were detained by Srinagar Police during separate operations on the outskirts of Srinagar city.
About 15 people were detained from different states
Sources said that apart from the five arrested, at least 15 people from Haryana and Rajasthan and 10 locals are in the custody of Srinagar Police and in view of these developments, the case—due to its inter-state links and wider terror implications—is expected to be handed over to the NIA for detailed investigation.
He said that once the NIA formally takes over the investigation, it will seek the custody of the two foreign terrorists, who are currently on police remand on the orders of a special court in Srinagar.
A designated court had earlier sent the accused to 10-day police custody. The court had remarked that these crimes are “serious and serious in nature” and pose a threat to the security and sovereignty of the country.
How the terrorist module was busted
This terrorist module led by Abu Huraira (who was reportedly active in Jammu and Kashmir for about 16 years) came to light after a multi-state operation involving raids in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Haryana.
Investigation revealed that the accused had created a network using fake identities and documents. This network facilitated movement between states and provided logistical support such as shelter, funding and safe houses to foreign terrorists.
Huge quantity of arms and ammunition recovered
Police also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-series rifles, pistols, hand grenades and electronic equipment, during searches at several places. In this regard, a case has been registered under FIR No. 24/2026 at Jakura Police Station under sections 18, 19, 20, 23, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as well as section 7/25 of the Arms Act and section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Officials said that the investigation has revealed the financial and operational network of LeT. Around 40 suspects have been detained for questioning so far, and more arrests are likely to be made as the investigation progresses.
He further said that with the NIA taking over the investigation, the scope of the investigation is expected to expand further, especially in the matter of investigating the inter-state relations, sources of funding and possible international contacts related to this terrorist module.
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