NIA files chargesheet in explosives seizure case against two ‘Hizbul operatives’

Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against two individuals in connection with a significant arms and explosives seizure in Jammu & Kashmir, allegedly linked to the banned terrorist organisation Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM).

The chargesheet was submitted before the NIA Special Court in Jammu against Waheed Ul Zahoor, the driver of the vehicle from which the weapons and explosives were recovered and Mubashir Maqbool Mir, another accused with ties to Hizbul operatives in Pakistan.

According to a statement from the NIA, during a security operation on June 30, 2024, at a check post at Machipora, Rashidabad in Baramulla district, Waheed, driving a suspicious vehicle, attempted to flee the checkpoint and was apprehended.

A search of his car and person led to the recovery of explosives, arms, and ammunition, it said. During the subsequent investigation, Waheed admitted to working as an over-ground worker (OGW) for Hizbul and maintaining contact with his Pakistan-based handlers.

Further searches at his residence in Mujgung, Srinagar, uncovered additional incriminating material, linking him directly to the terror network, the NIA charge sheet reveals. As the investigation progressed, NIA identified Mubashir Maqbool Mir as a conspirator in the case.

He was arrested after evidence surfaced that he had been providing financial support to Waheed and facilitating the operation. The chargesheet highlights that both accused were actively involved in the terror group’s plans to transport arms and ammunition in the region.

The ongoing investigation (RC-6/2024/NIA/JMU) is focused on uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy, including identifying the intended destination of the recovered arms and explosives, and exposing the broader network operating in the region, it added.