The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations in the Kupwara and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir as part of its investigation into a suspected Over Ground Worker (OGW) network and possible links between drug trafficking and terrorism.
The searches were carried out at residential premises of suspected individuals with the assistance of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security personnel. Officials said the operation was aimed at gathering evidence and identifying the wider network supporting terrorist activities in the Union Territory.
Three Locations Searched in Anantnag
In Anantnag district, NIA teams conducted searches at three locations in connection with FIR No. RC/2026/02. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
According to officials, an NIA team, accompanied by local police personnel, searched the residence of Suhail Ganie Bhat, son of Abdul Ganie Bhat, at Kreeri Shahabad in Dooru.
During the search, investigators seized a Redmi 9A mobile phone for examination. The agency is expected to analyse the device for information that could provide leads in the ongoing investigation.
Drug-Terror Link Under Scanner
The NIA also searched the residence of Ghulam Nabi Hajam, son of Ghulam Rasool Hajam, in the SICOP Bijbehara area.
Officials said Hajam is suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and that investigators are examining whether proceeds generated through the illegal drug trade were being channelled towards terrorist activities.
The possible nexus between narcotics trafficking and terror financing has emerged as an important aspect of the investigation, with agencies increasingly focusing on the use of drug money to fund terrorist networks.
The NIA also conducted a search at Sadura village at the premises of an individual who is currently detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Investigators are examining the suspected links of the individual with the OGW network.
Searches Also Conducted in Kupwara
In North Kashmir, the NIA conducted simultaneous searches at two locations in the Kupwara district, falling under the jurisdiction of the Handwara police district.
The searches were carried out in the Khanpora, Babagund and Wodhpora areas. Personnel from the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police assisted the NIA teams during the operation.
The residential premises were thoroughly searched, and investigators examined documents and electronic devices for possible evidence related to the ongoing case.
Focus on OGW Network
Overground workers (OGWs) are individuals suspected of providing various forms of assistance to terrorist organisations while operating from within civilian areas. Such support may include providing shelter, logistics, transportation, communication, intelligence, financial assistance or other forms of facilitation.
Security agencies have been increasingly targeting such networks as part of efforts to disrupt the support infrastructure of terrorist organisations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The latest searches are part of the ongoing investigation, and officials said further action would depend on the evidence recovered during the searches and its subsequent examination.
The NIA has not, so far, officially announced any arrests in connection with Saturday's searches. The agency is also expected to examine the electronic devices and documents seized during the operation to establish possible links between the suspects and the wider terror-support network.
Officials said the investigation remains underway and further details would be shared after the examination of the material recovered during the searches.
