NIA court issues warrant against LeT commander

A special India — National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu issued a non-bailable warrant against Mullah Yaqoob, a Pakistan-based operational commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), for his alleged involvement in directing terrorist activities in India — Jammu and Kashmir. The warrant, dated July 16, was issued after the NIA sought it in connection with an investigation into a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act. The case originated from the arrest of Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, from whom a Chinese grenade and 15 live rounds were recovered. Bhat's arrest led to the busting of a terror network and the arrest of four more individuals, including two Pakistani nationals, Abdullah Rajput and Khubaib. The NIA alleged that Yaqoob, operating from Islamabad, coordinated financial and logistical support for LeT cadres and directed attacks on security forces and civilians. Yaqoob, a designated terrorist, is the second top LeT figure against whom the NIA court has issued an NBW, following Hafiz Saeed in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack case.