Srinagar police have attached two immovable properties, collectively valued at approximately Rs 1.05 crore, which are reportedly linked to notorious drug peddlers. This action is a significant step in the ongoing campaign against drug trafficking in the region, operating under the banner of the ‘Nasha Mukti Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan’. The seizures underscore the authorities’ commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of individuals involved in the illicit narcotics trade.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the first property to be attached comprises a residential house along with its land, located in the Pamposh Colony, Palpora, Noorbagh area of Srinagar. This property is alleged to belong to Aqib Mushtaq Kenu, a known drug peddler. The market value of this asset has been estimated at approximately Rs 50 lakh. The attachment was carried out under Section 68-F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. This legal provision allows for the forfeiture of assets derived from drug-related activities. The action is in connection with a First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Safakadal police station, filed under Sections 8/21/29 of the NDPS Act. The spokesman for the police confirmed that the accused, Aqib Mushtaq Kenu, is currently out on bail, indicating the ongoing nature of legal proceedings against him.
The second property seized is a substantial three-storeyed residential house, which also includes two commercial shops and an adjacent plot of land. This property is situated in the Pathar Masjid, Zainakadal area of Srinagar and is reportedly owned by Altaf Ahmad Najar, also known by his alias TK Khan. The approximate market value of this second property has been assessed at Rs 55 lakh. Similar to the first seizure, this attachment was executed under Section 68-F of Chapter VA of the NDPS Act, 1985. The legal basis for this action stems from an FIR registered under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act at the Kral Khud police station. In contrast to Kenu, Altaf Ahmad Najar is currently under preventive detention, a measure taken under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, 1988. This indicates a potentially more severe level of alleged involvement or risk associated with Najar’s activities.
According to a police spokesman, both properties were identified during the course of investigations as assets that had been acquired through the proceeds generated from illicit narcotics trafficking. This highlights a strategic approach by law enforcement agencies to target not just the individuals involved in drug peddling but also the wealth amassed through such criminal enterprises. The seizure of properties serves as a deterrent and aims to disrupt the economic power base of drug syndicates operating in the region. The spokesman further elaborated that the attachment proceedings were conducted only after obtaining the necessary and due approval from the competent authority in New Delhi. This ensures that all actions taken are in strict accordance with the provisions outlined in Chapter VA of the NDPS Act, emphasizing adherence to legal and procedural safeguards throughout the process. The involvement of a competent authority from the national capital signifies the gravity of the drug trafficking issue and the coordinated efforts to combat it.
The ‘Nasha Mukti Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan’ is a comprehensive initiative launched by the administration to combat the pervasive issue of drug abuse and trafficking. It involves various government departments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations working collaboratively to raise awareness, provide rehabilitation services, and enforce stringent legal measures against those involved in the drug trade. The recent property seizures are a direct manifestation of the enforcement arm of this campaign, demonstrating tangible results in the fight against narcotics. The focus on seizing assets is a critical component of anti-drug strategies globally, as it directly impacts the profitability of criminal organizations and reduces their capacity to operate and expand their networks. By targeting the financial gains from drug trafficking, authorities aim to make such activities less attractive and more risky for perpetrators.
The NDPS Act, 1985, is the principal legislation in India that governs drug control. Chapter VA of this act specifically deals with the forfeiture of property derived from illicit drug trafficking. This chapter empowers the government to attach and confiscate properties that are believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of drug-related offenses. The provisions are designed to ensure that individuals involved in drug trafficking cannot benefit from their illegal activities and that the ill-gotten gains are confiscated by the state. The PIT-NDPS Act, 1988, under which Altaf Ahmad Najar is detained, provides for the preventive detention of individuals involved in illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to prevent them from engaging in such activities in the future. This measure is typically invoked when there is a strong suspicion of involvement and a need to prevent further criminal acts.
The Srinagar police’s proactive stance in identifying and attaching these properties is a clear indication of their intensified efforts to curb drug-related crime. The value of the seized assets, exceeding Rs 1 crore, suggests that the alleged peddlers had accumulated significant wealth through their illegal operations. This financial dimension of drug trafficking is often underestimated, and its disruption is crucial for the overall success of anti-narcotics operations. The police have reiterated their commitment to continuing such actions against all individuals found to be involved in drug trafficking, sending a strong message to criminal elements that their assets are not safe. The successful execution of these seizures, following due legal process and approvals, demonstrates the robust framework in place for tackling drug-related financial crimes in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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