Kashmiri Pandit Arrested in J&K Narco-Terror Financing Case After Four-Year Hunt

In a significant breakthrough, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir has arrested a 35-year-old man from Jammu for his alleged involvement in a cross-border narco-terror financing network. The arrest ends a four-year hunt for the individual, identified as Manoj Kumar Bhat, also known as Pintu, who had managed to evade law enforcement by frequently changing hideouts and rarely using a mobile phone.

Pintu's identity has sent shockwaves through the Kashmiri Pandit community in Jammu. He is the son of a retired Deputy Director from the Roads and Building (R&B) Department and his family migrated from Srinagar's Rainawari area. Community members expressed disbelief and anguish, with one resident stating, "Badnaam kar ke rakh dia (he has given us a bad name)." The SIA claims this is the first arrest of a Kashmiri Pandit in connection with such a network.

The case dates back to June 2022, when an FIR was registered following the recovery of a kilogram of heroin from two individuals in Sopore. Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of additional poppy straw and seeds. Pintu's name emerged during the interrogation of the arrested suspects, who revealed he was a frequent visitor to Kashmir while absconding.

A raid on Pintu's residence in Jammu led to the seizure of 15 grams of heroin, electronic gadgets, and a motorcycle. The SIA stated that the network facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with proceeds allegedly diverted to sustain terrorist activities. The agency believes the operation is backed by the Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit.

Pintu's arrest came after he made a critical mistake: switching on one of his mobile phones. This allowed the SIA, which had been tracking his movement through technical surveillance, to locate and apprehend him. The agency is now searching for two of his absconding associates.

The arrest highlights the growing challenge of narco-terrorism in the Union Territory. Official reports indicate that over 13.5 lakh people, nearly 10% of the population, are indulging in substance abuse. To combat this, the administration and police launched a 100-day 'Nasha Mukt' (drug-free) campaign in April.