SIU Kulgam presents chargesheet against four militants

KULGAM — The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Kulgam has filed a chargesheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Kulgam, against four accused militants, including three deceased militants and one active militant.

According to a statement issued by the police, the chargesheet pertains to case FIR number 65/2022 lodged at Police Station Kulgam. The accused militants have been identified as Jan Mohammad Lone, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Sameer Ahmad Sheikh alias Kamran Bhai, and Abid Ramzan Sheikh.

The chargesheet alleges that on June 2, 2022, the aforementioned militants, affiliated with proscribed organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), The Resistance Front (TRF), and Al-Badr, conspired to fatally shoot Vijay Kumar, the Branch Manager of Ellaqhai Dehati Bank in Arreh Kulgam. Kumar, a resident of Bagwa Rajasthan, fell victim to their illegal weapons.

Following due legal procedures, the SIU Kulgam submitted the chargesheet before the NIA-designated court under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The document seeks cognizance against the deceased militants, Jan Mohammad Lone, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, and Sameer Ahmad Sheikh, for their alleged roles in abetting the crime. Additionally, the chargesheet invokes Section 299 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) against the active militant, Abid Ramzan Sheikh.

The police further informed that investigations are ongoing regarding the involvement of another accused, Arjumand Gulzar alias Hamza Burhan, an active militant associated with the proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr.

Gulzar, a resident of Kharbatpora Ratnipora Pulwama, remains at large. Authorities plan to submit a supplementary report concerning his involvement as per the provisions of Section 173(8) of the CrPC.

Further updates on the investigation are awaited as the legal proceedings progress.