Srinagar, January 27: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has taken a significant step in the ongoing battle against terror financing in Jammu and Kashmir. The ED filed a prosecution complaint against three individuals – Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, Mushtaq Ahmad Kambay, and Mohd. Iqbal Khan – under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This legal action was taken before the special court in Srinagar.
The court, upon receiving the complaint, has taken cognizance of the matter and issued notices to the accused persons, signaling the commencement of the trial.
The ED’s investigation originated from an FIR dated July 11, 2015, registered by the Police Station Kulgam (J&K). The FIR named Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, Mushtaq Ahmad Kambay, Mohd. Iqbal Khan, Mohd. Abbas Sheikh (later killed in encounter), and Tauseef Ahmad Sheikh (later killed in encounter). The charges against them included offenses under Section 420 of the Ranveer Penal Code (RPC), parallel to Sections 420 of the IPC, 1860, and Sections 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967. These charges were related to raising funds for the purpose of committing terrorist activities.
The ED’s investigation uncovered that the accused individuals were indeed raising funds for terrorist activities in the Kashmir Valley, as directed by the Hizbul Mujahidin terrorist outfit. This activity resulted in the generation of substantial proceeds of crime. A portion of these proceeds was discovered in the possession of the accused in the form of 33 gold coins and ₹17.50 lakh, earmarked for use in terrorist activities. The ED emphasizes that the investigation is ongoing, indicating a continued effort to unearth the full extent of the illicit activities.
This prosecution complaint is a significant move in the broader initiative to curb terror financing and ensure the accountability of those involved in funding activities that threaten the security and stability of the region.
