NIA searches 18 locations in Pakistan-backed arms & drugs smuggling case

NIA conducts searches in 5 States and 1 UT in Pakistan-backed arms and narcotics smuggling case.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has carried out searches at 18 locations in five States and one Union Territory in a case linked to Pakistan-backed smuggling of arms and narcotics by “Khalistani” operatives.

“Several electronic devices and other incriminating materials were seized during the searches, conducted on Thursday [April 24] at 18 locations in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka,” the agency said.

It said: “NIA teams are examining the seized items to unravel the entire conspiracy behind the smuggling and the radicalisation of individuals in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and other parts of India.”

The premises covered under the operation were of individuals suspected to be connected to Pakistan-based entities. The case was registered last year.

“NIA investigations have further revealed that these entities have been conspiring via social media platforms, and are in regular contact with foreign-based handlers suspected to be pro-Khalistani elements, as part of the conspiracy aimed at destabilising India,” the NIA said.