Did the NIA Court Just Forfeit a House Linked to the 2019 CRPF Convoy Attack?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal ruling, the NIA court has decreed the forfeiture of a house linked to the **2019 CRPF convoy attack**. The property, used by JeM operatives for planning the deadly attack, underscores the ongoing battle against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision marks a critical step toward dismantling terror networks operating in the region.
Key Takeaways
- NIA court orders forfeiture of property used in terror planning.
- House linked to 2019 CRPF convoy attack.
- Property declared as 'proceeds of terrorism'.
- Court prohibits any transfer or third-party interest.
- Highlights need to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu, Nov 25 (NationPress) The designated NIA court has mandated the forfeiture of a residential property located in the Kakapora region of Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Pulwama district. This decision comes after the court established that the residence served as both a hideout and a planning base for the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group involved in the 2019 CRPF convoy attack, officials reported on Tuesday.
Officials stated, “In a significant move against terror logistics, the Designated Special Court under the NIA Act, Jammu, has ordered the forfeiture of a residential house situated at Hakripora in Kakpora tehsil of Pulwama district, affirming that the property was utilized by JeM members as a hideout and planning base for the February 14, 2019, IED attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.
“The court identified the property as 'proceeds of terrorism' under Sections 25-26 of the UAPA, prohibiting any transfer or third-party interest.
“Presiding Judge Sandeep Gandotra (Additional Sessions Judge; Special Judge under the NIA Act) approved an application submitted by the NIA’s Chief Investigating Officer (CIO) Rajiv Om Parkash Pande, requesting the forfeiture of the 9.5 marlas residential house (Khasra No. 492 min), registered in the name of Naseema Bano, the spouse of accused Peer Tariq Ahmed Shah.
“In court proceedings, the NIA was represented by Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) K.S. Pathania. The non-applicant’s side saw Advocate Syed Azad Andrabi present objections; however, he later clarified that he was not representing Bano, who subsequently failed to appear, resulting in her being set ex-parte.
Investigators revealed that JeM operatives Muhammad Umar Farooq, Sameer Ahmed Dar, and Adil Ahmed Dar utilized the Hakripora residence both prior to and following the convoy bombing, with family members allegedly offering shelter that facilitated the conspiracy.
“The court emphasized that ownership by the primary accused is not a prerequisite for forfeiture, as the property's use in aiding terrorism qualifies under the UAPA.
“This case originates from FIR No. 20/2019 (Awantipora), re-registered by the NIA as RC-02/2019/NIA/JMU on February 20, 2019. The property was seized on March 16, 2021; the Designated Authority validated the seizure on May 13, 2021, and Bano’s appeal was dismissed on August 31, 2022.
“After numerous notices were issued, her absence led to ex-parte proceedings and the final forfeiture order.
“The court instructed that the asset should not be transferred by any means or encumbered until the conclusion of the main NIA trial, and a copy was sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama for compliance,” officials added.
It is crucial to remember that the terror attack on February 14, 2019, involved a terrorist who rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the CRPF convoy in the Lethpora region of Pulwama district, killing 40 CRPF personnel.
In retaliation for the 2019 terror attack on the CRPF convoy, Indian armed forces executed aerial assaults against terror bases in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the NIA court's decisive actions against terrorism. The forfeiture of properties linked to terror activities signals a commitment to ensuring justice for the victims of the 2019 CRPF convoy attack while reinforcing our national security efforts. The judicial system's role in dismantling terror networks is vital for a safer future.
NationPress
25/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the NIA court's decision?
The NIA court ordered the forfeiture due to evidence that the residential property was utilized as a hideout and planning base by Jaish-e-Mohammad operatives for the 2019 CRPF convoy attack.
What was the outcome of the court's ruling?
The court declared the property as 'proceeds of terrorism' and prohibited any transfer or third-party interest until the main NIA trial concludes.
Who was the primary accused linked to the property?
The property is registered in the name of Naseema Bano, the wife of accused Peer Tariq Ahmed Shah.
What was the significance of the February 14, 2019 attack?
The attack involved a terrorist bombing that killed 40 CRPF personnel, marking one of the deadliest attacks in recent Indian history.
What steps are being taken to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?
The Indian armed forces and judicial authorities are actively pursuing measures, including property forfeiture and military action, to dismantle terror networks in the region.
