SIA Kashmir Files Charge-Sheet Against 12 in Kashmiri Pandit ATM Guard's Killing Case

Defense News ,India :- The Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) has officially accused 12 individuals in connection with the murder of Sanjay Sharma, a security guard at an ATM, who was killed in Pulwama, Kashmir, on February 26, 2023. The agency believes the crime may be part of a larger plot originating from across the border.

The case was initially reported to the Litter Pulwama Police Station under FIR No. 14/2023 and later handed over to the SIA for a specialized investigation. The charge-sheet has been submitted to the Special Designated Court under the NIA (National Investigation Agency) Act in Pulwama.

The accused individuals are Khalid Kamran from Pakistan, Jazim Farooq Wani (alias Abrar), Shameem Ahmad Bhat (alias Uncle), Danish Ahmad Thokar, and Ubaid Ahmad Paddar from Shopian; Zaffar Hussain Bhat (alias Khursheed Kashmiri), Nassir Farooq Shah, Aamir Hussain Wani, Towseef Ahmad Pandith, Sajjad Ahmad Bhat (alias Afnan Bhat), and Sahil Bashir Dar from Anantnag; and Sarjeel Ahmad Bhat from Kulgam.

Yasir Shabir Wani is still under investigation, and eight of the accused, including three juveniles, are in judicial custody. Jazim Farooq Wani, Thokar, and Paddar have been killed in encounters with security forces, while Zaffar Hussain Bhat (alias Khursheed Kashmiri) and Khalid Kamran are currently on the run.

According to officials, the motive behind the crime was to disrupt peace and communal harmony in the region. The accused aimed to use the murder of Sanjay Sharma, a member of the minority community, to fuel communal tensions and sustain terrorist activities.

The SIA Kashmir conducted thorough searches in South Kashmir, revealing crucial physical and technical evidence. This evidence exposed the involvement of the accused in the crime, including providing logistical support, harboring the accused, and concealing evidence. The agency conducted five rounds of extensive searches at 32 locations across the valley, leading to the seizure of mobile devices, incriminating documents (such as bank records), a pistol magazine, and live cartridges.

The investigation uncovered that the accused received instructions from terror handlers across the border and maintained communication through encrypted online messaging platforms. Jazim Farooq Wani, identified as the triggerman, received weapon handling training from Nassir Farooq Shah under the direction of the Pakistani handler Khalid Kamran.

The SIA remains committed to ensuring that all individuals involved in the crime are brought to justice, and the investigation will continue.