NIA raids across states in Pak-Khalistan smuggling case

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted extensive searches at multiple locations across Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and other states across the country in a case linked to Pakistan-backed cross-border smuggling of arms and narcotics by pro-Khalistan operatives, officials said.

Several electronic devices and other incriminating materials were recovered during the searches, conducted at 18 locations in states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka, they said, adding that NIA teams were examining the seized items to unravel the conspiracy behind the smuggling and the radicalisation of individuals in Punjab, J&K and other parts of India.

The searches were conducted at the premises of suspected individuals connected to Pakistan-based entities registered by the anti-terror agency on December 20, 2024. The suspects under the scanner are aligned with the ideology of proscribed unlawful associations and terrorist organisations, as per NIA investigations.


The probe has further revealed that these entities have been conspiring via social media platforms and are in regular contact with foreign-based handlers suspected to be pro-Khalistan elements, as part of a conspiracy aimed at destabilising India, said officials.