NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday carried out raids at 22 locations across five states and one union territory as part of an ongoing investigation into a major terror conspiracy case.
According to official sources, the coordinated operation began early this morning and covered Bihar (8 locations), Karnataka (1), Maharashtra (1), Tamil Nadu (1), Uttar Pradesh (2), and Jammu and Kashmir (9 locations).
The raids were conducted with the active support of state police forces and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, ensuring smooth execution on the ground.
The case under investigation pertains to a terror conspiracy, the recruitment of youth, the raising of funds, and the establishment of sleeper cells for carrying out unlawful activities across different parts of the country.
During the searches, officials examined several residential premises and business establishments suspected of being linked to individuals associated with radical groups.
As per official sources, investigators are believed to have seized electronic gadgets, digital records, incriminating documents, and communication devices, which will now undergo forensic and technical analysis.
“The evidence collected is expected to play a crucial role in establishing connections between suspects and banned outfits operating both within India and across the border, ” official sources said.
Official sources added that Jammu and Kashmir is the focal point of Monday’s raids, where nine different places are being searched. The residential premises raided on Monday belong to suspected persons believed to have links with networks operating outside India.
The NIA has intensified its efforts in recent months, conducting multiple raids across India to dismantle terror modules and disrupt their logistical support systems.
“Today’s operation is seen as another strong step towards cracking down on those attempting to destabilise peace and security in the region, ” the sources added.
Some high-profile terror cases, including those involving terror funding and killings of innocent civilians, are being investigated by the NIA.
The investigation into the terror attack carried out by Pakistan-backed LeT terrorists on April 22 in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam was also handed over to the NIA.
Twenty-six civilians, including 25 tourists and a local Pony owner, were killed in the Pahalgam attack.