Srinagar, Jan 20:
The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has submitted a comprehensive chargesheet on Saturday to the special designated court in Pulwama, implicating 12 persons, including three deceased terrorists, in connection with the murder of Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Sharma in February 2023.
Sanjay Sharma, an ATM guard and a Kashmiri Pandit, fell victim to a fatal terrorist attack in the Achan area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir on February 26. Initially investigated by Pulwama Police, the case was later handed over to the specialized SIA Kashmir for a thorough inquiry. The SIA has successfully concluded its investigation and filed the chargesheet within less than a year.
A spokesperson for the SIA, in a statement, disclosed that the investigation unveiled that the accused individuals were acting on instructions from terror handlers located across the border. The chargesheet in the murder case was filed against 12 individuals before the Special Designated Court under the National Investigation Agency Act at Pulwama.
The charged individuals include Jazim Farooq Wani alias Abrar,,Khalid (based in Pakistan),,Zaffar Hussain Bhat alias Khursheed Kashmiri,,Nassir Farooq Shah,,Aamir Hussain Wani,,Shameem Ahmad Bhat alias Uncle,,Towseef Ahmad Pandith,,Sajjad Ahmad Bhat alias Afnan Bhat ,,Sarjeel Ahmad Bhat, Danish Ahmad Thokar,,Ubaid Ahmad Paddar,and Sahil Bashir Dar.
Out of these, three terrorists – Jazim Wani, Danish Thokar, and Ubaid Paddar – were killed in separate gun battles.
The SIA stated that Jazim Wani, the assailant, received weapon handling training from Nassir Shah under the directives of a Pakistani handler known by the code name Khalid Kamran.
“Eight accused, including 3 juveniles, are currently under judicial custody,” said the SIA, adding that two accused, Zaffar Bhat and Khalid based in Pakistan, are presently absconding.
The SIA revealed that Yasir Shabir was detained during the investigation but has not been charged in the case. However, the investigation against Yasir continues.
The investigation exposed that the accused individuals were operating on instructions from terror handlers across the border, maintaining communication through encrypted online messaging platforms. The SIA, after taking over the case, discovered a broader conspiracy originating from across the border.
“The aim was to disrupt the revival of peace and communal harmony in the valley, using the murder of an innocent person from the minority community to fuel communal disharmony and sustain terrorism,” stated the SIA.
Upon taking over the case, SIA Kashmir conducted extensive searches across South Kashmir, unearthing vital physical and technical evidence. The evidence pointed to the accused persons’ involvement in the crime, including providing logistical support, harbouring the accused, and concealing evidence.
During the investigation, SIA conducted five rounds of extensive searches at 32 locations across the valley, seizing mobile devices, incriminating documents, bank documents, a pistol magazine, and live cartridges.
It is pertinent to mention here that Sanjay Sharma, a bank guard by profession, was shot dead by terrorists in the Achan area of Pulwama in February, just 100 meters away from his home, while he was on his way to a local market.
