What happened during the NIA's nationwide raids on terror conspiracy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The NIA executed coordinated raids at 22 locations.
- The operation targeted multiple states and a union territory.
- Evidence seized may reveal links to banned terror groups.
- Jammu and Kashmir was central to the operation.
- The NIA's efforts are crucial for national security.
New Delhi/Srinagar, Sep 8 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed raids at 22 locations across five states and one union territory on Monday as part of a significant investigation into a major terror conspiracy case.
According to official sources, the synchronized operation commenced early this morning, targeting areas in Bihar (8 locations), Karnataka (1), Maharashtra (1), Tamil Nadu (1), Uttar Pradesh (2), and Jammu and Kashmir (9 locations).
These raids were carried out with the full support of state police forces and personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), ensuring effective execution.
The investigation focuses on a terror conspiracy involving the recruitment of youth, fundraising, and the establishment of sleeper cells aimed at conducting unlawful activities throughout the nation.
During the searches, officials scrutinized numerous residential properties and businesses suspected of connections to individuals linked with radical groups.
As per official sources, investigators reportedly confiscated electronic devices, digital records, incriminating paperwork, and communication tools, all of which will undergo forensic and technical scrutiny.
“The evidence gathered is anticipated to be pivotal in establishing links between suspects and banned groups operating both within India and beyond,” the sources mentioned.
Official sources further noted that Jammu and Kashmir served as the epicenter of Monday’s raids, with nine distinct locations being searched. The raided residences belong to individuals suspected of connections with networks operating outside India.
The NIA has been escalating its efforts in recent months, conducting multiple operations across the country to dismantle terror modules and disrupt their logistical support systems.
“Today’s operation is perceived as another decisive action against those seeking to undermine peace and security in the region,” sources added.
Several high-profile terror cases, including those related to terror funding and the killings of innocent civilians, remain under the NIA’s investigation.
The inquiry into the terror attack executed by Pakistan-backed LeT terrorists on April 22 in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam was also assigned to the NIA.
Twenty-six civilians, encompassing 25 tourists and a local pony owner, were tragically killed in the Pahalgam attack.
Three Pakistani terrorists, identified as Suleman, Jibran, and Hamza Afghani, were neutralized on July 28 in the foothills of Mahadev Peak within the higher reaches of Dachigam National Park in the Harwan area of Srinagar district.
The Army referred to the operation against these three terrorists as ‘Operation Mahadev’.
These three individuals were recognized as the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The terrorists involved in the Pahalgam incident who were eliminated during Operation Mahadev on July 28 were identified and located using photographs retrieved from a mobile phone seized by security forces following an encounter in South Kashmir in 2024, officials confirmed post-operation.