Six Held In Bandipora For Alleged Links With Banned Outfit; Police Probe Suspected Pak Funding, Jail Contacts

Bandipora : Bandipora Police on Saturday said they have uncovered an alleged module linked to the banned organization Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen and arrested six persons for their alleged involvement in separatist propaganda, prison-based networking and suspected funding from across the border.

In a handout to the police said that a case has been registered under FIR No. 168/2026 under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act at Police Station Bandipora, police said.

Giving details, police said the probe started with Waheed Ahmad Bhat of Handwara, Kupwara. Bhat was earlier arrested in a UAPA case in Kupwara following a conference held in 2022. During his lodgment in Kupwara Jail, he allegedly came in contact again with Pakistan-based handler identified as Manzoor Ahmad Shah, police claimed.

According to police, with the help of another inmate, the alleged network thereafter focused on spreading ideology and holding meetings to garner support, with alleged involvement of women in propagation activities.

Police further claimed that after Bhat was released on medical grounds in August 2024, around 14 to 15 secret meetings were held in Bandipora and nearby areas. Of these, five to six meetings were allegedly held at a small hotel on the Bandipora-Baramulla route.

During investigation, police also claimed to have traced suspected financial transactions. As per police, an amount of around Rs 7-8 lakh is suspected to have been sent to the alleged module over more than a year.

Out of the total amount, around Rs 2.26 lakh was allegedly credited to the J&K Bank account of Mubeena Banoo of Dachigam, Bandipora, while the rest was allegedly sent through cash couriers. A part of the funds was allegedly distributed among associates and a portion allegedly used for Bhat’s medical treatment, police said.

The six persons arrested so far have been identified as Mubeena Banoo, Waheed Ahmad Bhat, Kushboo Jan, Mehak Jan, Aliya Jan and Irfan Ahmed Reshi alias Rayees, police said.

Police said the role of some more persons, including a religious cleric and two alleged couriers from Kupwara, has surfaced during investigation and their alleged involvement and financial trail is being verified.

Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the alleged network, its funding channels and the role of each person allegedly involved.

The allegations are under investigation and subject to judicial determination.(GNS)