Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 26: The Court of Additional Sessions Judge (TADA/POTA) and Special Judge designated under the NIA Act at Srinagar, Manjeet Rai, has ordered issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) against two absconding accused in an SIA case linked to alleged cross-LoC narcotics smuggling and terror-related activities.
The NBWs have been issued against Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias “Kandoo” (A-8) of Kralteng Sopore and Manzoor Ahmad Khan (A-9) of Braman Panzla Sopore, on an application moved by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, through its Chief Investigating Officer DySP Ranbir Singh Sodhi, seeking warrants under Section 73 CrPC read with Section 25 of the J&K Police Act.
The case arises out of FIR No. 13/2022 of Police Station CIK/SIA Kashmir, registered under sections 8/21, 15, 29 of the NDPS Act and 18, 39, 40 of the UAPA, read with Section 201 IPC.
The court noted that the main charge-sheet was filed on December 3, 2022 against four accused, followed by a supplementary charge-sheet on May 17, 2024 against accused A-1 to A-5, while further investigation continues against absconders including A-8 and A-9.
As per the prosecution’s submissions, Imtiyaz Kandoo allegedly went missing in 2010 and joined the proscribed outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, and has been designated a terrorist through an MHA notification dated October 4, 2022.
It was also stated that Manzoor Ahmad Khan allegedly exfiltrated to PoK in 2005 for arms training, joined the same outfit, and is stated to have remained in contact with co-accused Mohammad Saleem Khan (A-5) through Pakistani mobile numbers.
Observing that both accused were evading arrest despite efforts and that the allegations involve serious offences under special statutes, the court held that sufficient grounds existed for issuance of NBWs, noting that the continued evasion was hampering investigation and the administration of justice.
The court directed the Superintendent of Police, SIA Kashmir, to execute the warrants and produce the accused before the court, adding that NBWs may be executed through all lawful means, including issuance of Look Out Circulars, if deemed necessary. (JNF) |
