Srinagar, Feb 17:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday launched a focused search operation at the residence of a retired government official in Srinagar. The raid, which began in the early hours of the morning, is part of a widening investigation into a terrorism-related case registered by the federal agency in 2024.
The Target: Nazir Ahmad Bhat
Heavy security contingents, including the J&K Police and CRPF, cordoned off the Mehjoor Nagar area of the city as NIA sleuths entered the home of Nazir Ahmad Bhat. Bhat, identified as a former government employee, is being questioned in connection with an ongoing probe that has already seen multiple raids across the valley over the last year.
Officials have not yet confirmed if any “incriminating material” was seized, but sources indicate that electronic devices and certain documents are being scrutinized.
Connection to the 2024 Terrorism Case
While the NIA has not released the specific FIR details of this raid, the agency has been aggressively pursuing several high-profile cases registered in 2024. These include:
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The Shalla Kadal Case (RC-01/2024/NIA/JMU): Linked to the targeted killing of non-local civilians by LeT/TRF operatives.
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ISIS/ISJK Grenade Attack: A case involving a November 2024 attack at the Sunday Market near TRC Srinagar.
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Narco-Terror Modules: Investigations into the funding of terror activities through the smuggling of narcotics from across the border.
Community Reaction & Surveillance
The search in Mehjoor Nagar created a brief sense of panic among locals as armed personnel maintained a strict perimeter. This operation comes amid a broader crackdown by central agencies on “white-collar terror” modules and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) suspected of providing logistics and shelter to active militants.
The search operation was still underway at the time of this report. Once concluded, the seized materials are expected to be sent for forensic analysis at the NIA’s regional hub. Officials stated that further arrests or summons may follow depending on the evidence recovered from the residence.
