Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 16: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday attached a house in Punjab's Amritsar district linked to an alleged operative of the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in connection with a transnational narco-terror network spanning several countries.
According to an official statement, the property — House No. 33, Holy City, Holy Enclave Phase-I, Amritsar — was attached under Section 25(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the Salaya drug seizure case (RC-26/2020/NIA/DLI) after being identified as “proceeds of terrorism”.
An NIA team carried out the attachment process in accordance with legal procedures, in the presence of independent witnesses and with assistance from local authorities.
Investigators said the property was registered in the name of the father of accused Ankush Kapoor, who has been identified as a key India-based operative of an international narco-terror network with links extending to Italy, Australia, Iran, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, among other countries.
The agency's investigation reportedly uncovered Kapoor's connections with a Dubai-based accused allegedly associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Kapoor, who was arrested last year, is accused of playing a significant role in a conspiracy involving the smuggling, transportation, storage and distribution of narcotic substances, besides facilitating the laundering of terror funds to operatives located in different countries.
The NIA said its investigation found that proceeds generated through drug trafficking were being channelled into financing terrorist activities in India through a sophisticated international financial network.
The anti-terror agency had earlier charge-sheeted Kapoor on allegations related to terror financing, criminal conspiracy and providing support to unlawful and terrorist organisations, along with offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
Officials said a total of 26 accused persons have been charge-sheeted in the case so far, while investigations remain ongoing.
The agency stated that Tuesday’s action forms part of its broader efforts to dismantle the financial and logistical networks that allegedly facilitate and sustain terrorist activities within India.