LeT module busted in J&K's Budgam: Police nabs 7 operatives for propaganda activities

Srinagar: In a major breakthrough, Budgam Police has dismantled a module associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), comprising seven Over Ground Workers (OGWs) actively engaged in spreading anti-national terrorist propaganda

The apprehended individuals have been identified as Romain Rasool Sheikh, Irfan Nazir Sheikh, Rizwan Nazir Sheikh and Sahil Javid Sheikh, all hailing from Bonet Beerwah of central Kashmir.

However, Jahangir Bashir Mir and Tariq Ashraf Sheikh are residents of Utligam Beerwah, while Shakir Lateef Pathan comes from Gandhipora, Beerwah.

“The module, primarily led by Romain Rasool Sheikh and Irfan Nazir Sheikh, came under the scrutiny of us (authorities) through a comprehensive and meticulous investigation,” said an investigation team official.

 “Duo had been influenced by a handler from Pakistan linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a well-known terrorist organization. Serving as local motivators, Romain and Irfan purportedly directed the remaining five individuals to execute assigned tasks, which involved posting anti-national materials in and around the Beerwah area,” an official disclosed.

During the course of the investigation, incriminating evidence has been recovered from the apprehended persons, linking them to the illicit activities.

JKP are now intensifying their efforts to uncover the extent of the module's operations and any potential connections to a larger network.

“The dismantling of this module has not only prevented the spread of anti-national propaganda but has also uncovered a significant link to handlers operating from Pakistan. We are working diligently to further investigate and neutralize any remaining threats,” an official adds.

Meanwhile, all arrested individuals are currently in custody, and the investigation is progressing.

Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure the safety and security of the region.

Pertinently, on Thursday, State Investigation Agency (SIA) has clamped down on individuals involved in a narco-terror case in Pulwama and Baramulla districts. Acting on orders from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Srinagar, the SIA executed property attachment measures against two individuals.

The properties of Abdul Rashid Bhat, consisting of 5,500 square feet of land in Pulwama in South Kashmir and Abdul Rashid Mir's 05 kanals of land in Sopore, in North Kashmir, were seized owing to their absconding status.