Jammu & Kashmir: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Friday conducted searches at six locations across Jammu and Kashmir as part of an investigation into an alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-linked online terror recruitment network accused of radicalising and recruiting local youth through social media platforms.
The searches were carried out in Budgam, Srinagar, Bijbehara and Mattan in Anantnag, along with a village in Pulwama district. The operation was conducted in coordination with local police and revenue officials in the presence of executive magistrates.
Among the premises searched was the residence of 22-year-old Mohammad Yaseen Mir, a graduate from Hokersar in Srinagar's Sheikh-ul-Alam Colony, Zainakote.
Investigators are also examining the background and connections of Mir's family. His mother, Tabasum Shaheen, a Pakistani national, reportedly travelled to Pakistan on April 29 last year and has not returned since. Officials are probing her continued contact with her son as part of the investigation. It remains unclear whether she was unable to return due to visa-related issues or chose not to come back.
Another search was conducted at the residence of Peerzada Anayat Ullah Shah in Agrikalan village of Magam in Budgam district.
During the searches, investigators reportedly seized digital devices, documents and other material suspected to be relevant to the case. The seized material is being examined to establish possible links with cross-border handlers and identify other individuals allegedly associated with the recruitment network.
According to investigators, the raids were linked to a three-year-old case involving an alleged terror recruitment module that used social media to lure young people into proscribed terrorist organisations.
Investigators suspect that the network was operated by Pakistan-based handlers allegedly working in coordination with Lashkar-e-Taiba and other banned terror outfits. The handlers allegedly used online platforms to indoctrinate young people and instigate them against the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
(with inputs from media agency)