LeT founder Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan, aiding Kashmir terrorists: NIA; Jammu court issues non-bailable warrant

JAMMU: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and India's most-wanted terrorist Hafiz Saeed is currently in Pakistan, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) told a Special Court in Jammu, which issued a second non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him in two months in connection with a terror case involving the alleged supply of weapons, funds and directions to terror groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir.The NIA moved an application seeking an NBW against Saeed under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The LeT founder, a designated terrorist and resident of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, has been described as an "absconding accused" in the case.Hafiz Saeed terror case: How probe led to LeT founderThe case relates to the arrest of Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat during a check at Pandach on the outskirts of Srinagar earlier this year. A China-made grenade and 15 live rounds were recovered from Bhat, a resident of Batpora.Bhat was subsequently booked at Zakoora Police Station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.Further investigation into the case led to the busting of a terror network and the arrest of several more terrorists allegedly associated with LeT and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), along with two Pakistani nationals.According to the NIA, Saeed's alleged involvement emerged during the investigation. The agency said the arrested Pakistani terrorists were allegedly associated with him."Saeed is operating from Pakistan and providing weapons, money and directions to terrorists operating in the Kashmir Valley. The information is gathered that the said terrorist at present is in Pakistan and deliberately evading his arrest to escape the clutches of law," the NIA told the court.Jammu court issues second NBW against Hafiz SaeedAfter hearing the NIA's submissions, Special Judge under the NIA Act Prem Sagar on September 8 observed that Saeed's involvement had emerged during the investigation and that he was "allegedly involved in terrorism."The court also noted that Saeed was at large and that the investigating agency had been unable to secure his attendance "in the ordinary manner". It subsequently issued a general non-bailable warrant against him.The latest warrant is the second NBW issued against Saeed by the Special NIA Court in Jammu in two months.Hafiz Saeed's link to Pahalgam terror attackEarlier, on July 8, the same court had issued an NBW against Saeed in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack in April, in which 25 tourists and a local resident were killed.Saeed is the founder of the proscribed LeT and a designated terrorist.The latest proceedings relate to the separate terror case involving the alleged supply of weapons, funds and directions to terror operatives in the Union Territory.(With PTI inputs)Stay updated with the latest Jammu news. Download the TOI App.