Srinagar, March 18 (PTI) The State Intelligence Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday conducted raids at eight locations in connection with the money collection case of Maulvi Sarjan Barghati, the face of “anti-national” protests. In 2016, officials said they were using it for personal gains.

The SIA, a subsidiary of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), had earlier this year registered a case against Bargati to probe him for extortion and his “anti-national” speeches.

According to officials, funds of over Rs 1.5 crore were allegedly raised through suspected terrorist sources and used for personal gain, profit and promotion of separatist-terrorist campaigns.

Barkhati and others reportedly earned huge sums of money by making passionate appeals to the public to support their daily needs.

Under this guise, Barkhadi not only generated huge funds but also laundered money from prima facie, unidentified sources, suspected to originate from terrorist outfits, for further use to sustain separatist-terrorist campaigns, officials said.

In 2016, Bargati, a resident of Zainbora in Shopian, gained notoriety for mobilizing thousands of people on the streets for a non-violent protest through his incendiary discourse.

Barkhati is said to have openly invited and incited the Indian government to violence in Jammu and Kashmir and youths to engage in violence.

The SIA has so far identified 10 suspects whose connection has emerged during preliminary investigations. Early morning raids continue today in several districts of Kashmir.

SIA hopes that these searches will help in getting some vital information including whether these funds have any link with terror and Hurriyat funds through the seizure of electronic gadgets, incriminating material and other corroborating evidence.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Bargati diverted a substantial portion of the funds for his personal interests and bought a land worth Rs 45 lakh in Anantnag in his wife’s name, which he subsequently sold for Rs 72 lakh and made a profit. 27 lakhs and the palace house was built with public money.

He has purchased five kanals of land to set up a madrasa, which according to reliable sources is for the purpose of earning money and providing a platform to anti-nationals and a breeding ground for attracting youth towards terrorism.

A large part of such ill-gotten money has been deposited in several FDRs in the name of Barkhati’s family members.

Not only has the accused breached public trust through emotional intimidation, he has also created personal wealth on funds donated by people for daily living and conceals money from dubious sources for the advancement of separatist-terrorism. campaigns, officials said. PTI SSB SKL RC