Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 24: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in New Delhi on Saturday ordered the commencement of trial against separatist leader Yasin Malik and six others in a money laundering case involving alleged foreign funding from Pakistan through hawala channels.

The case pertains to the alleged laundering of proceeds of crime worth Rs 8.94 crore, which the Enforcement Directorate (ED) claims were generated through illegal financial transactions linked to separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the allegations, the accused received foreign funds originating from Pakistan through hawala networks and other channels. The money was allegedly used to support separatist activities and related unlawful operations in the Union Territory.

The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the NIA in 2017. The NIA had registered the case under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The ED subsequently investigated the alleged financial transactions, examining the movement of funds and the suspected proceeds of crime.

The court had framed charges in the case last month, paving the way for trial proceedings. Saturday’s order marks the next stage in the legal process, with the prosecution now required to establish its allegations through documentary evidence, financial records and other material gathered during the investigation.

The case forms part of a broader investigation into alleged financial networks used to channel funds from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir to support separatist activities.

The trial is expected to examine the alleged funding network, the source of the money and the role attributed to each accused in the suspected money laundering operation.

The allegations against the accused are yet to be proved in court. The commencement of the trial does not amount to a finding of guilt, and the accused will have the opportunity to contest the charges.