Odisha Crime Branch has started an investigation into the suspected ISI link of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) native Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, who was arrested in Odisha on the charges of impersonation and alleged links with suspicious anti-national elements.
As per Crime Branch officials, investigation in this regard has been intensified. A detailed probe has been launched to ascertain whether Bukhari has links with Pakistan’s ISI.
As per reports, Bukhari is currently in judicial custody. Earlier, he was produced in Chandikhol Court on Saturday. He has been lodged in Jajpur sub-jail after his bail petition was rejected by the Court.
As per the Crime Branch sources, the accused Bukhari faces allegations of engaging in anti-national activities and is suspected of having connections with Pakistani nationals. A native of Handwara in Kupwara district, he was in contact with suspicious persons.
Preliminary investigation revealed Bukhari used to impersonate as an Army doctor, neurosurgeon, and even a senior officer at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). He also used to fake his identity by claiming to be a close associate of National Investigation Agency (NIA) officers.
Incriminating materials including more than 100 forged documents were seized from his possession. Foreign medical degree certificates, blank signed documents, affidavits and bonds, several IDs and ATM cards, blank cheques, Aadhaar cards, and visiting cards were also seized from Bukhari.
Bukhari was allegedly duping people and spreading terror networks in Odisha. He is reportedly under the scanner of investigating agencies like NIA and IB as well, sources said.
Acting on a tip-off, the STF had conducted a raid at Bukhari’s rented accommodation in Neulpur in Jajpur district and arrested him on Saturday. He was staying in the area for the last seven to eight years by impersonating himself as a doctor.
As per sources, Bukhari has been lodged in a special cell inside at Ragadi sub-jail in Jajpur amid tight security. Moreover, the jailor of the sub-jail has written a letter to Jajpur SP and other senior authorities to further strengthen the security arrangements for the suspected terrorist.
Meanwhile, Odisha Crime Branch claimed to have got some important evidence regarding the suspected link of Bukhari with Pakistani ISI agents. It is also expected that the officials will get more evidence about Bukhari’s suspected links with the terrorists from his seized mobile phones.
Police and Crime Branch officials have also questioned some local people and the wife of Bukhari at his rented accommodation area in Neulpur.
In another development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will assist the Odisha Crime Branch in the investigation into the suspected ISI link of Bukhari soon.
Kerala, Punjab, and Maharashtra police will also question the accused Bukhari in this regard.
As per sources, Bukhari was in contact with several police officials of Jammu and Kashmir. He was also duping police officials with false promises regarding their posting and transfer-related issues.