The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out widespread raids on Thursday at 18 locations spanning Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka. This action was part of an investigation into a case (RC-18/2024/NIA/DLI) registered on December 20, 2024, concerning the Pakistan-sponsored cross-border trafficking of weapons and drugs by Khalistani militants.
During these operations, the NIA seized numerous electronic devices and other incriminating evidence, according to an official statement. The agency’s spokesperson indicated that these recovered materials are currently under scrutiny to fully understand the smuggling network and the radicalization efforts targeting individuals in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and other regions of India.
NIA investigations suggest that the individuals under suspicion maintain connections with entities based in Pakistan and adhere to the ideology of banned unlawful associations and terrorist organizations. The agency’s statement further revealed that these suspects are allegedly using social media platforms to conspire and are in frequent communication with handlers located abroad, believed to be Pro-Khalistani Elements (PKEs). This collaboration is suspected to be part of a larger plot aimed at destabilizing India. The NIA has stated that its investigation into this matter is ongoing.
