Srinagar, Nov 25: In a significant development, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police apprehended Shabroza Bano, the wife of Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, alias Barkati, from Zainpora Shopian, in connection with an alleged terror funding case. The couple is accused of orchestrating an extensive fund-raising campaign through crowdfunding, resulting in the generation of funds amounting to crores. Sarjan Barkati, a notable figure in the 2016 protests in Kashmir, was arrested earlier in August by the SIA in the same case.
The SIA reveals that the funds raised, approximately Rs 1.74 crores, were allegedly misused for undisclosed purposes, including the financing of secessionist and terrorist activities. A significant portion of the collected funds was reportedly misappropriated for personal gains. The funds were also used to acquire undisclosed assets, raising concerns about the legitimacy of their sources and utilization.
Sarjan Barkati’s family, including Shabroza Bano, managed to raise the substantial amount through crowdfunding campaigns. The investigation indicates that Shabroza Bano played a conspiratorial role, collaborating with her husband and Pakistan-based terror handlers in the terror funding case. It is revealed that she remained in constant contact with Pakistani handlers through encrypted messaging platforms.
The arrest of Shabroza Bano comes as a breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, shedding light on the intricate web of terror financing and its links to individuals involved in the 2016 protests. The authorities are intensifying efforts to uncover the extent of the network and bring those involved to justice.
