On Friday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced the attachment of property linked to a Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terror associate in connection with the targeted killing of a Sarpanch in South Kashmir’s Shopian district.
In a statement, the NIA detailed that it has attached the property of Nasir Rashid Bhat, an overground worker (OGW) for the terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, under section 33 (1) of the UA(P) Act, 1947.
The property, a residential house located in Tengpora village, Shopian, was seized on the orders of the NIA Special Judge, Jammu.
According to the NIA, Bhat and other HM members were involved in the killing of the Adoora-Kulgam Sarpanch on March 11, 2022. The NIA described the attack as an effort to spread terror among the local population.
The agency’s investigation, which succeeded the initial inquiry by Kulgam police, revealed that the targeted killing was part of a broader HM conspiracy to undermine India’s integrity and security through violent actions.
The NIA found that Bhat had facilitated the attack by providing his Alto car to the terrorists, conducting reconnaissance of the Sarpanch’s residence, and informing the assailants about the target’s whereabouts.
Bhat’s vehicle was used to transport the attackers to the vicinity of the Sarpanch’s home on the day of the incident.