Bank security guard’s killing: SIA chargesheets 12 accused

Srinagar, Jan 20: The State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, filed a comprehensive chargesheet against 12 individuals in connection with the brutal murder of a bank security guard, Sanjay Sharma.

The case was initially registered at Police Station Litter, Pulwama, under FIR No 14/2023, and was later handed over to SIA Kashmir for specialised investigation.

The officials said that the incident took place at Achhan, Pulwama on February 26, 2023, and the subsequent investigation revealed a broader conspiracy originating from across the border.

The aim was to disrupt the revival of peace and communal harmony in Kashmir, using the murder of an innocent person from the minority community to fuel communal disharmony and sustain terrorism.

Upon taking over the case, the SIA Kashmir conducted extensive searches across south Kashmir, unearthing vital physical and technical evidence.

This evidence exposed the accused persons’ involvement in the crime, including providing logistical support, harbouring the accused, and concealing evidence.

“During the investigation, the SIA conducted five rounds of extensive searches at 32 locations across Kashmir, during which evidence like mobile devices, incriminating documents including bank documents, a pistol magazine, and live cartridges were seized,” officials said.

They said that the chargesheet had been filed before the Special Designated Court under the NIA Act at Pulwama against the terror accused identified as Jazim Farooq Wani, son of Farooq Ahmad Wani of Heff Shirmal Shopian; Khalid Kamran of Pakistan; Zaffar Hussain Bhat, son of Sanaullah Bhat of Livar Sallar Srigufwara, Anantnag; Nassir Farooq Shah, son of Farooq Ahmad Shah of Wanteng Mohalla, Bijbehara; Aamir Hussain Wani, son of Ghulam Muhammad Wani, of Ashajipora, Anantnag; Shameem Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat of Heff Shirmal, Shopian; Towseef Ahmad Pandith, son of Bashir Ahmad Pandith of Jablipora Bijbehara, Anantnag; Sajjad Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohuiddin Bhat of Goriwan, Bijbehara; Sarjeel Ahmad Bhat, son of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat of Reshipora Qaimoh, Kulgam; Danish Ahmad Thokar, son of Abdul Hamid Thokar of Chakoora, Shopian; Ubaid Ahmad Paddar, son of Wali Muhammad Paddar of Chakoora, Shopian; and Sahil Bashir Dar, son of Bashir Ahmad Dar of Dhobi-Gath Bijbehara, Anantnag.

While the investigation against the accused Yasir Shabir Wani is continuing, eight of the 13 accused including three juveniles are currently under judicial custody.

Jazim Farooq Wani, Danish Hamid Thokar, and Ubaid Ahmad Paddar have been killed in encounters with security forces.

Zaffar Hussain Bhat and Khalid Kamran are presently absconding.

The investigation revealed that the accused individuals were acting on instructions from terror handlers across the border, maintaining communication via encrypted online messaging platforms.

“Jazim Farooq Wani, who pulled the trigger, received weapon handling training from Nasir Farooq Shah on the directives of Pakistani handler Khalid Kamran,” officials said.