Narco-terror case: NIA searches six locations in Jammu, Punjab

JAMMU: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at six locations, five in Jammu district and one in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, in connection with its investigation of a narco-terror module related to seizure of about 61kg heroin and arms and ammunitions at the International Border (IB) in Arnia of Jammu.
“A case was registered on September 20 last year at Arnia police station in connection with unprovoked firing at a police patrolling party from the Pakistan side to provide cover for smuggling activity.The case was re-registered by the NIA on November 26 and taken up for investigation,” an NIA officer said.
Earlier, six accused—Jash Raj Singh of Sai Kalan, Subash Chander of Sai Phagala, Sham Lal of Arnia, Gurbakash Singh of Bhour Camp Satwari, Bishan Dass alias Raju of Akhnoor, and Ajeet Kumar alias Kala of Khour—were arrested during raids at different places in Jammu, the officer said.
Based on their disclosures, a team of Jammu Police led by RS Pura DSP Shabir Khan arrested the kingpin of the narco-terror gang, one Gurpratap Singh from Taran Taran in Punjab.
The charges against the accused include criminal conspiracy for carrying out anti-national activities and to help terrorist organizations by collecting funds and channelling the proceeds of drugs for furthering the activities of terrorist groups like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
The NIA officer said that in September 2020, Gurpratap Singh had received 10kg heroin from Pakistan-based handlers through his associates, meant for funding the activities of the BKI in Punjab.