SIA Kashmir files charge-sheet against 12 in Kashmiri Pandit ATM guard's killing case

State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, has filed a charge-sheet against 12 accused in connection with the murder of a Kashmiri Pandit ATM guard in February last year, officials said

The State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, has filed a charge-sheet against 12 accused in connection with the murder of a Kashmiri Pandit ATM guard in February last year, officials said on Saturday.

Sanjay Sharma was shot dead at Achhan Pulwama in south Kashmir on February 26, 2023, with officials saying investigation hints at a broader conspiracy from across the border.

"The SIA Kashmir has filed a comprehensive charge sheet against 12 individuals in connection with the brutal murder of Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Sharma. The case, initially registered at Police Station Litter Pulwama under FIR No. 14/2023, was later transferred to the SIA Kashmir for specialised investigation," an official said.

The charge-sheet has been filed before the Special Designated Court under the NIA (National Investigation Agency) Act at Pulwama.

The accused include Pakistan-resident Khalid Kamran; Shopian-residents Jazim Farooq Wani alias Abrar, Shameem Ahmad Bhat alias Uncle, Danish Ahmad Thokar, and Ubaid Ahmad Paddar; Anantnag-residents Zaffar Hussain Bhat alias Khursheed Kashmiri, Nassir Farooq Shah, Aamir Hussain Wani, Towseef Ahmad Pandith, Sajjad Ahmad Bhat alias Afnan Bhat and Sahil Bashir Dar; and Kulgam-resident Sarjeel Ahmad Bhat.

While investigation continues into the role of Yasir Shabir Wani, eight out of the 13 accused, including three juveniles, are currently under judicial custody, the officials said.

Jazim Farooq Wani, Thokar, and Paddar have been killed in encounters with security forces.