Economic offender absconding for four years was arrested in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, Oct 12 (IANS) The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch on Sunday said it has arrested a criminal who was evading arrest for four years.

An EOW statement said, “Economic Offenses Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has arrested an absconding economic offender, who was evading law enforcement for the last four years. The accused has been identified as Khalid Sahni, son of Farooq Sahni, resident of Reshi Mohalla, Khar Doori, Shaheed Ganj Srinagar, wanted in connection with Case FIR No. 38/2018 registered at Police Station Crime Branch. Ranbir Penal Code Kashmir under sections 419 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code (RPC).

The warrant for his arrest was issued by the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Velu, District Anantnag on December 3, 2021, under section 512 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Despite several attempts, Sahni managed to avoid arrest for many years.

Acting on credible input, a special team of the Economic Offenses Wing launched a prompt operation on October 10 and successfully nabbed the accused, the statement said.

After the arrest, the accused was produced before the court, which later remanded him to judicial custody and directed that he be kept in Central Jail Srinagar.

“A senior crime branch officer said the arrest reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to bringing financial criminals to justice. No matter how long a criminal tries to remain absconding, the law eventually catches up. This arrest sends a strong message to those involved in economic crimes,” the statement said.

Various investigating agencies including the State Investigation Wing (SIA), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and EOW of Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch are conducting raids/searches to prevent high-profile economic crimes, most of which are linked to terrorism in some way or the other.

Drug traffickers, drug smugglers and hawala racketeers are also under the radar of Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces, as it is believed that the money generated from these illegal activities is ultimately used to maintain terrorism in the UT.

–IANS

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