Terror-funding case: SIA conducts raids at multiple locations in J&K

Searches were conducted in places connected to Sarjan Barkati

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ ITDC NEWS : In connection with the terror-funding case, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) is conducting raids at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

The searches were conducted in eight places including those in south Kashmir's Anantnag and Kulgam districts.

The raids were also conducted in places linked to relative's of secessionist Sarjan Barkati, who rose to fame during the street protests in 2016. Reportedly, more than Rs 1.5 crore in funds were generated by crowdfunding and from suspected terror sources utilised for personal benefits, profiteering and so on.

Earlier Kashmir Zone Police in its tweet said that an encounter broke at Mitrigam area of Pulwama.

The searches were conducted jointly with the assistance of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

The case is related to the collection of funds by Barkati.

Earlier, the SIA, a subsidiary of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police registered a case against Barkati earlier this year to probe the collection of funds as well as his "anti-national" speeches.

Barkati is alleged to have made huge financial gains by making emotional appeals to the public.

Barkati, a resident of Zainpora in Shopian has become notorious for mobilising thousands of people into streets for a violent agitation through his speeches.

SIA has so far identified 10 suspects in connection with the case. Reportedly, SIA has seized electronic gadgets and incriminating materials.

Preliminary investigations have shown Barkati has diverted a substantial part of the funds for his personal benefits and purchased a piece of land worth Rs 45 lakh in Anantnag town in the name of his wife, which he subsequently sold for Rs 72 lakh, making a profit of Rs 27 lakh, and also built a palatial house using public money, reported PTI.