NIA custody of Zahoor Watali extended in terror funding case

A Delhi court on Monday extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of financier Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali for more five days in connection with Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case.

Watali, who was arrested by the NIA, earlier this month, was on Monday produced before a Delhi Court.

Watali's lawyer, however, appealed to court for his early release, citing his health condition.

The court also extended the judicial custody of four accused persons- Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmad Shah alias Funtoosh, Peer Saifullah, Nayeem Khan and Mehrajuddin Kalwal- by another thirty days, i.e. till September 27.

Earlier on August 26, the NIA conducted a search operation at the office of Trison Farms and Construction Pvt Ltd in Srinagar's Barbarshah, owned by Watali.

The search has unearthed incriminating documents pertaining to Watali's financial transactions which were seized by the agency.

On August 17, the NIA arrested Watali from the national capital, in connection with a case of funding terrorist and separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

His arrest was followed by a search conducted by the NIA at multiple locations belonging to the relatives and employees of Zahoor Watali in Srinagar, Handwara, Kupwara and Baramulla.

The search had unearthed highly incriminating material pertaining to receipt of funds by Watali from foreign sources and its further distribution to the terrorists and separatists in the valley for anti-India activities.

At present, the proceedings in the case are in abeyance as per the orders of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

Earlier, on June 3, the NIA had searched Watali's house in Srinagar and seized incriminating documents pertaining to several financial transactions and land deals.