 Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 18: The Special NIA Judge, Jammu, Sandeep Gandotra today dismissed the bail application of Tanveer Ahmed Wani, former President of the Line of Control (LoC) Traders Association, who is accused of channelising funds from Pakistan to strengthen the terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.
Wani, a resident of Pulwama and an ex-militant, was arrested in February 2020 after the arrest of Hizbul commander Syed Naveed Mushtaq and others. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has alleged that Wani acted as a key conduit for terror funds received through hawala and cross-LoC trade, distributing crores among active militants in the Valley.
According to the NIA, Wani had strong links with Pakistan-based Hizbul leadership and personally handed over cash to terrorists. He also allegedly facilitated meetings and maintained an OGW (Over-Ground Worker) network to route money for terror activities.
Special Public Prosecutor K.S. Pathania opposed the bail plea, stressing that release of the accused could lead to witness intimidation and hamper trial proceedings.
Wani’s counsel, Advocate I.H. Bhat, sought bail on grounds of prolonged custody of more than five years and claimed parity with co-accused Waheed-ur-Rehman Para. The Court, however, observed that the material on record prima facie established Wani’s involvement in terror financing and rejected the defence plea.
Special Judge Sandeep Gandotra noted that the accusations were serious and directly linked to national security. He held that the stage had not arisen to conclude that the accusations were false and that the gravity of charges under IPC and UAPA barred bail at this stage. (JNF) |
