NIA Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against LeT Founder Hafiz Saeed

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. The court granted the warrant under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) after the NIA stated that Saeed is operating from Pakistan and deliberately evading arrest while providing weapons, money, and directions to terrorists in the Kashmir valley. The warrant was forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General of the NIA in Jammu for execution.

The case originates from the arrest of Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat at Gujar Tent Pandach in Ganderbal. During a search, police recovered a Chinese grenade and 15 live rounds from Bhat, who was subsequently linked to LeT and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF). An FIR was registered at the Zakoora police station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substance Act.

In connection with the Zakoora case, the NIA conducted searches at 10 locations across Kupwara, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, and Sopore. These searches aimed to uncover evidence of a conspiracy and identify individuals providing logistical support to infiltrated terrorists. The agency reported seizing incriminating material and establishing links between Pakistan based handlers and local associates used for communication and concealment.

One source notes that this is the second non-bailable warrant issued against Saeed by the Jammu court in two months, following a July warrant related to a terror attack in Pahalgam. It also mentions that the court previously issued warrants against Saeed's close aide, Mohammad Yaqoob, and two others on August 18, 2026.