Srinagar, Sep 12: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at 10 locations in Jammu & Kashmir in connection with a cross-border terror conspiracy involving Pakistan-based handlers of the proscribed terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and their network of local Over Ground Workers (OGWs).
The searches were conducted at locations in Kupwara, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, and Sopore to unearth further evidence relating to the conspiracy and to ascertain the roles of individuals providing logistical and other support to infiltrated terrorists.
The teams of NIA sleuths were assisted by Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF during these raids.
The case, initially registered as FIR No. 0024/2026 at Police Station Zakoora, Srinagar, was subsequently re-registered by the NIA as RC-02/2026/NIA/JMU under Section 23 of the UA(P) Act, 1967, Sections 7 and 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, and Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
The investigation commenced following the arrest of an OGW, associated with LeT, during the late-night hours of March 31 at a checkpoint. A hand grenade and live ammunition were recovered from his possession.
Further investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Pakistani nationals linked to the conspiracy and revealed the identities and suspected roles of members of the local support network. Investigation conducted so far has revealed linkages between Pakistan-based LeT handlers and their local associates, who were being used for communication, movement and concealment of infiltrated terrorists, provision of shelter, reconnaissance and other logistical facilitation.
The NIA is also examining the financial trail, communication channels, movement of the accused, and the source and supply chain of arms and explosives, with a view to establishing the complete network and uncovering the extent of its activities. The searches conducted today are part of NIA’s continuing investigation into the larger conspiracy and the support mechanism facilitating cross-border terrorism.
During the searches, further incriminating material relevant to the case was seized/secured, which is being examined and corroborated with other evidence collected during the investigation.
The NIA continues its investigation to identify all persons involved in the conspiracy and establish their respective roles. Further legal action, including arrests and recoveries, may follow subject to the outcome of the investigation.
The anti-terror agency regularly conducts raids and searches across J&K as part of ongoing probes into terror financing, conspiracies, and militant networks.
Searches frequently cover multiple districts across the Kashmir Valley and Jammu regions, including Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Sopore, Bandipora, and Kishtwar.
Operations are tied to cracking down on OGWs, terror funding networks, hybrid militants, and premises linked to proscribed groups like Jamaat-e-Islami.
The NIA has handled several critical, high-profile cases in J&KÂ targeting terror finance, cross-border conspiracies, and high-visibility attacks, including the Red Fort car bomb blast on November 10, 2025, and the June 9, 2024 Reasi pilgrim attack case.
