Srinagar, Aug 29: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has apprehended Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati, on charges of orchestrating an elaborate fundraising campaign through crowdfunding to support radicalism. The arrest comes after investigations into Case FIR No 02/2023 at the SIA police station.
Barkati played a central role in organising large-scale protests and confrontations with security forces, leading to the filing of over 30 First Information Reports (FIRs) against him across various police stations in the Kashmir valley.
According to the SIA, Barkati managed to accumulate approximately Rs 1.74 crore through his crowdfunding initiatives. The funds were ostensibly raised for personal purposes; however, a significant portion is believed to have been misused for undisclosed agendas, including potential financing of separatist and terrorist activities.
The agency’s investigation revealed that Barkati exploited public sentiment and trust to garner funds, possibly from unidentified sources linked to terrorist organisations. Notably, a substantial portion of the amassed funds was allegedly deposited into Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) under the names of Barkati’s family members, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the funds’ sources and utilisation.
The SIA condemned Barkati’s actions, asserting that he betrayed the public’s trust by capitalising on emotional appeals and crowdfunding platforms for his personal and potentially illicit gains. This incident not only casts a shadow on the credibility of crowdfunding but also raises serious concerns about the misuse of resources to support separatist and terrorist endeavours. This arrest underscores the need for vigilant oversight of crowdfunding campaigns and the responsible use of donations. The authorities are determined to address such misuse and ensure that funds raised for legitimate purposes truly serve the welfare of the people.
Two cars, two-wheeler seized by police, SIU in Shopian
Police and State Investigation Unit (SIU) Tuesday seized two cars and a two-wheeler in an operation in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.
“Continuing its crackdown on terror elements, Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Shopian today (Tuesday) in continuation of investigation in case FIR No. 126/2023 U/S 307 IPC 7/27 IAA, 16,18,20,23,38,39 UAP Act, on disclosure statement of accused namely Adnan Shafi son of Mohd Shafi Shah conducted raids and searches in residential houses of Zahid Ahmad Shah son of Ab Gaffar Shah, Hanzil Ahmad Shah son of Mohd Maqbool Shah and in house of accused in discussion”, said a police spokesperson in a statement. (GNS)
