NIA court issues NBW against Pak-based LeT commander

19/08/2026

JAMMU, Aug 18: A Special NIA Court in Jammu has issued a non-bailable warrant against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Yaqoob alias Abu Sumama in connection with an alleged Pakistan-backed terror network operating in Kashmir.
Special Judge under the NIA Act, Jammu, Prem Sagar allowed an application moved by NIA Chief Investigating Officer DySP Amit Sharma under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) seeking issuance of the warrant against Yaqoob, who remains at large.
The proceedings arise out of RC No. 02/2026/NIA/JMU, NIA Vs Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat and others.
According to the prosecution, the case originated after J&K Police intercepted a motorcycle during naka checking at Gujar Tent, Pandach, Srinagar. The rider, identified as Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat of Batpora, was allegedly found carrying a Chinese grenade and 15 live cartridges.
Following the recovery, FIR No. 24/2026 was registered at Police Station Zakoora under Section 23 of the UAPA, Sections 7/25 of the Arms Act and Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.
The NIA told the court that the investigation subsequently revealed the alleged role of Pakistan-based handler Abu Sumama. According to the agency, disclosures allegedly made by arrested Pakistani terrorists Abdullah Rajput alias Kamran Ahmed and Khubaib alias Usman Jatt brought his role under investigation.
The agency alleged that Abu Sumama had directed the arrested terrorists to carry out attacks against security personnel and civilians in the Kashmir Valley.
The prosecution also placed before the court the Government's list of individual terrorists designated under Section 35 of the UAPA, pointing out that Yaqoob figures at serial number 74 in the Fourth Schedule.
According to the prosecution, the wider investigation has involved alleged local facilitators, foreign terrorists, financial channels, safe houses and interstate links. Searches were also conducted at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Haryana, during which investigators reportedly recovered arms, ammunition, hand grenades, electronic devices and other material.
After hearing the NIA and examining the material on record, the court noted that the involvement of the accused had surfaced during investigation and that he remained at large.
The Special Judge accordingly allowed the NIA application and issued a general non-bailable warrant against Abu Sumama. The warrant has been forwarded to the DIG, NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with law.
The development is part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged terror network and the role of Pakistan-based handlers in directing and facilitating terrorist activities in Kashmir.

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