What Led to the NIA Raiding 22 Locations Across India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NIA conducted raids across 22 locations targeting terror conspiracy.
- Evidence seized includes electronic devices and incriminating documents.
- Focus on Jammu and Kashmir highlights regional security concerns.
- Operation Mahadev successfully eliminated key terrorist figures.
- NIA's intensified efforts aim to dismantle extremist networks.
New Delhi/Srinagar, Sep 8 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed raids at 22 sites across five states and one union territory on Monday as part of an ongoing inquiry into a significant terror conspiracy case.
Official sources revealed that the synchronized operation commenced early this morning, encompassing Bihar (8 locations), Karnataka (1), Maharashtra (1), Tamil Nadu (1), Uttar Pradesh (2), and Jammu and Kashmir (9 locations).
The operations were conducted with the full cooperation of state police forces and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, ensuring effective execution on the ground.
The investigation focuses on a terror conspiracy involving the recruitment of youth, fundraising, and the establishment of sleeper cells to facilitate unlawful activities across various regions of the country.
During the searches, officials scrutinized several residential and business premises believed to be linked to individuals associated with extremist groups.
Investigators reportedly seized electronic devices, digital records, incriminating documents, and communication gadgets, all of which will undergo forensic and technical examination.
“The evidence gathered is anticipated to be crucial in establishing links between suspects and banned organizations operating both within India and across borders,” sources indicated.
Notably, Jammu and Kashmir was the focal point of Monday’s raids, where searches were conducted at nine different locations. The residences targeted are associated with individuals suspected of links to networks operating outside India.
The NIA has ramped up its efforts recently, conducting numerous raids throughout India to dismantle terror modules and disrupt their logistical networks.
“Today’s operation signifies another robust effort towards countering those aiming to unsettle peace and security in the region,” sources stated.
The NIA is investigating several high-profile cases, including those related to terror funding and the killings of innocent civilians.
The inquiry into the terror assault by Pakistan-backed LeT terrorists on April 22 in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, has also been assigned to the NIA.
In that attack, twenty-six civilians, including 25 tourists and a local pony owner, lost their lives.
Three Pakistani terrorists, identified as Suleman, Jibran, and Hamza Afghani, were killed on July 28 near Mahadev Peak in the higher reaches of Dachigam National Park, Harwan area, Srinagar district.
The Army labeled the operation against these terrorists as ‘Operation Mahadev’.
These three individuals were confirmed to be involved in the Pahalgam terror attack.
The identities of the Pahalgam terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev on July 28 were determined using photographs obtained from a mobile device seized by security forces after an encounter in south Kashmir in 2024, officials confirmed post-operation.