Hizbul Mujahideen chief’s son arrested by NIA over terror-funding row

In the wee hours of Thursday, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) arrested Shakeel Yousuf, the man allegedly responsible for funding a 2011 terror attack.

Arrested from Srinagar’s Rambagh area, the feat has been achieved by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and NIA together.

The accused was called for questioning on many occasions but did not show up after June 30. He was issued fresh summons multiple times. He is presently working as a medical assistant at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar.

The involvement of multiple Hurriyat leaders in the case has made the agencies work day in and day out to close in on the suspects. The investigation, which was suspended during the month of Ramzan, has now picked up.

The case where Yusuf has been summoned involves the transfer of money from Pakistan to Jammu and Kashmir using hawala channels. The money is believed to have been used for funding numerous terrorist activities.

Salahuddin’s other son, Shahid was also arrested in the same case earlier in June this year. He is presently serving his term in Tihar Jail, Delhi.

A few other names that have been included in the case are G M Bhat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mohammed Siddiq Ganai, Ghulam Jeelani Liloo and Farooq Ahmed Dagga. The NIA has filed two charge sheets against them.

Mohammed Maqbool Pandit and Bhat are two more names against whom the charge sheet has been filed, but are on the run. A red corner notice has been issued against the two.