NIA files chargesheet in case of weapon theft from ex-MLA's house

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The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet in a case relating to weapon theft from a former MLA's residence in Srinagar. 

Last year in August, seven AK rifles and one pistol along with ammunition was stolen from the residence of Aijaz Ahmad Mir, PDP’s Ex- MLA from Wachi. 

A case was initially registered by Jammu and Kashmir Police at PS Rajbagh, Srinagar against Adil Bashir Sheikh, who was deployed as a SPO at the MLA's residence. The case was subsequently taken over by NIA for investigation. 

During the investigation, NIA arrested accused Rafique Ahmad Bhat. It was revealed that Adil Bashir Sheikh (SPO) and Rafique Ahmad Bhat had conspired with Abid Manzoor Magray, who was an active terrorist of Hizbul Mujahideen, to steal arms and ammunition for distributing these among active cadres and recruits of Hizbul Mujahideen for furthering their terror activities. 

Accordingly, Adil Bashir Sheikh, Yawar Ahmad Dar and Rafique Ahmad Bhat stole the weapons from government quarter allotted to former PDP MLA on 28.09.2018, while he was away and his security guards had gone to their houses leaving the weapons behind. SPO Adil Bashir Sheikh entered the house on the pretext of cleaning it while the other two waited outside in a Maruti Alto car. Thereafter, they decamped with the weapons and ammunition and fled towards village Achan and hid the weapons in a field. After committing the instant offence, all the three joined the militant ranks of Hizbul Mujahideen.

During investigation, role of Syed Naveed Babu and HM Commander Riyaz Naikoo emerged in the case, for radicalising and training to HM terrorists including Adil Bashir Sheikh, Yawar Ahmad Dar and Rafique Ahmad Bhat.

Two accused persons namely Yawar Ahmad Dar and Abid Manzoor Magray @ Sajju were killed in encounters with security forces on 16.05.2019 and 31.05.2019 respectively.

Charge-Sheet has been filed in the Special NIA Court, Jammu against accused persons namely, Rafique Ahmad Bhat and absconder Adil Bashir Sheikh u/s 120B, 381 Ranbir Penal Code, sections 18, 20, 23, 38 and 39 of the UA (P) Act, and Section 7, 25 of the Arms Act.

​Further investigation is continuing in respect of other accused persons including Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Riyaz Naikoo.