Bandipora Police arrest six people over alleged links with a banned outfit as investigators examine suspected cross-border funding. (Img: Dynamite News)
Sringar: Bandipora Police have arrested six people over their alleged links with the banned outfit Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, as investigators examine suspected cross-border funding, alleged separatist activities and a network that police claim may have operated through contacts established during imprisonment. The investigation is also focusing on a series of meetings in Bandipora and adjoining areas, the alleged use of financial intermediaries, and the possible involvement of additional individuals.
According to the police, a case has been registered under FIR No. 168/2026 at Bandipora Police Station under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigators are attempting to establish the alleged network’s organisational structure, funding channels and the individual roles of those named in the case.
Police said the investigation began with Waheed Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Handwara in Kupwara district, who had previously been arrested in a UAPA case following a conference in 2022. According to the police account, Bhat allegedly re-established contact during his imprisonment at Kupwara Jail with a Pakistan-based handler identified by investigators as Manzoor Ahmad Shah.
Police allege that the suspected network subsequently focused on promoting its ideology, arranging meetings and mobilising support. Investigators are also examining the alleged involvement of women in these activities and whether the meetings formed part of a wider coordinated effort.
After Bhat was reportedly released on medical grounds in August 2024, around 14 to 15 meetings were allegedly organised in Bandipora and neighbouring areas, police said. Investigators believe that five to six of these gatherings took place at a small hotel along the Bandipora–Baramulla route. The purpose, participants and possible coordination behind the meetings are among the aspects being examined.
The alleged links with a Pakistan-based handler and the reported activities following Bhat’s release have brought the suspected network’s communications and local contacts under scrutiny. These claims are part of the police investigation and have not been established as proven facts in court.
The suspected movement of money is a key focus of the investigation. Police suspect that approximately Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8 lakh was channelled to the alleged network over a period of more than one year.
Of this amount, around Rs 2.26 lakh was allegedly deposited into the Jammu and Kashmir Bank account of Mubeena Banoo, a resident of Dachigam in Bandipora, according to police. The remaining amount was reportedly routed through cash couriers. Investigators are attempting to trace the origin of the funds, identify those who handled the transactions and establish how the money was ultimately distributed.
Police are also examining whether any portion of the suspected funds was used to meet Bhat’s medical expenses. The financial investigation is expected to focus on account transactions, cash movements and the possible role of intermediaries in transferring money to the alleged network.
However, the suspected funding trail remains under investigation, and the available police account does not establish that every transaction or individual mentioned was connected to unlawful activity.
The six people arrested have been identified by police as Mubeena Banoo, Waheed Ahmad Bhat, Kushboo Jan, Mehak Jan, Aliya Jan and Irfan Ahmed Reshi, alias Rayees.
Investigators have also brought additional individuals under scrutiny, including a religious cleric and two suspected couriers from Kupwara. Their alleged roles, possible links with the arrested individuals and involvement in the suspected financial network are being verified.
The case has placed the alleged flow of funds, suspected cross-border contacts and local meeting arrangements at the centre of the police inquiry. Investigators are continuing to examine the evidence to determine the network’s reach, the source and destination of the suspected funds, and whether further action is warranted against other individuals.
The allegations against the six arrested individuals and others under scrutiny remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. All accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
