BANDIPORA, OCT 24: Bandipora Police have arrested six persons in a case involving an alleged network linked to the banned organisation Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, with the investigation focusing on suspected cross-border funding, alleged separatist activities and a network of contacts reportedly developed through prison interactions. Police are also examining a series of alleged clandestine meetings, financial transactions and the suspected involvement of additional individuals as part of an investigation registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to an official police handout, the case has been registered as FIR Number 168/2026 under Sections 10 and 13 of the UAPA at Police Station Bandipora. Investigators said the probe centred initially on Waheed Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Handwara in Kupwara district, who had previously been arrested in a UAPA case following a conference held in 2022.
Police alleged that Bhat re-established contact with a Pakistan-based handler identified as Manzoor Ahmad Shah while lodged at Kupwara Jail. Investigators are examining the alleged contacts and subsequent developments that, according to the police account, led to the emergence of a network suspected of promoting separatist ideology and organising meetings to mobilise support.
The investigation has also brought alleged activities following Bhat’s release on medical grounds in August 2024 under scrutiny. Police claimed that approximately 14 to 15 secret meetings were subsequently held in Bandipora and neighbouring areas, including five to six meetings reportedly conducted at a small hotel along the Bandipora–Baramulla route. The alleged participation of women in propagation activities is also being examined as part of the investigation.
Investigators are tracing a suspected financial trail estimated at ₹7–8 lakh, allegedly channelled to the network over a period exceeding one year. According to police, approximately ₹2.26 lakh was credited to the Jammu and Kashmir Bank account of Mubeena Banoo, a resident of Dachigam in Bandipora, while the remaining funds were allegedly routed through cash couriers. Police further claimed that some of the money was distributed among associates, while a portion was reportedly used for Bhat’s medical treatment.
The six arrested persons have been identified as Mubeena Banoo, Waheed Ahmad Bhat, Kushboo Jan, Mehak Jan, Aliya Jan and Irfan Ahmed Reshi alias Rayees. Police said the investigation had also brought the suspected involvement of a religious cleric and two alleged couriers from Kupwara to light. Their roles and possible connections with the suspected financial transactions are being verified.
The investigation is now focused on establishing the alleged network’s structure, verifying the source and movement of the suspected funds, examining the reported contacts with individuals across the border and determining whether other persons were involved. Police are also investigating the alleged meetings and the nature of the activities attributed to the accused.
Bandipora Police said further investigation was underway to establish the complete sequence of events and identify any additional links. The allegations against the arrested persons remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
