Jammu: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday took over a case related to conspiracy by militant outfit Lashker-e-Mustafa (LeM), a front of Jaish-e-Mohammad, nearly a month after the arrest of its chief.
LeM chief Hidayat-ullah Malik was arrested by Anantnag police from Kunjwani area of Jammu on February 6 as he was planning to set up a base in the winter capital and also plan terror attacks.
“The NIA registered a case relating to conspiracy by frontal running militant organization LeM, working at the behest of proscribed militant organization JeM, to carry out militant activities in Jammu area with the aim of threatening the sovereignty, integrity and security of India,” an NIA spokesperson said.
He said the case was initially registered at Gangyal Police station on February 6 under various sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
“The NIA has re-registered this case on Tuesday and taken over the investigation,” the spokesman said.
He said one hand grenade, three magazines and 28 rounds with other incriminating material were recovered from the possession of the arrested militant.
“Malik had done reconnaissance of many security installations in Jammu and Delhi in 2018 and 2019 for carrying out militant attacks. He had been associated with other militant groups in past and has furthered subversive and terror activities in Kashmir valley,” the spokesperson said.
He said the militant group had also committed a daylight bank robbery in which Rs 60 lakh were looted from J&K Bank, Main Branch Shopian in November 2020.
“Investigation in the case continues,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier on February 14, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh had said Malik was leading LeM after it was floated in August last year although he was active for a long time in militancy.
