Yousuf, son of Hizbul Mujahideen chief, arrested in terror-funding case
The NIA has arrested Shahid Yousuf, son of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, in connection with a 2011 terror funding case. "Syed Shahid Yousuf, over the years, has been receiving and collecting funds through International wire money transfer from Aijaz Ahmed Bhat alias Aijaz Magbool Bhat, member of HM, an absconder in the case," the agency said.
A glimpse into Yousuf's life
Yousuf, a post graduate in Agriculture, has been associated with the Department of Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir since 2013. He is the Village Agriculture Extension Assistant in his village Soibugh of Budgam district.
What did Yousuf do?
During 2011-2014, Yousuf received money from Saudi Arabia-based Hizbul terrorist Aijaz Ahmad Bhat in four instalments. It was allegedly intended to fund secessionist and terror activities in the Valley. NIA says it has "documents on money transfers as well as call details" linking Aizaz and Yousuf. Yousuf was arrested on the basis of this evidence. He will be interrogated further. Meanwhile, Aizaz is absconding.
What about the others involved?
The NIA registered a terror funding case in the matter in April 2011 related to transfer of hawala money from Pakistan to J&K. Shahid was found to be just "one of several Indian contacts of Aizaz". Two chargesheets have already been filed against six accused. Currently, four are in judicial custody and two (including Aizaz) are absconding. Red Notice has been issued against both.
Like father, like son
Yousuf's father Syed Salahuddin, whom US declared a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June'17, is also named in another 2011 terror funding case. The chargesheet filed in November'11 names 10 accused. Besides heading the Hizbul, Salahuddin is also the chair of the United Jehad Council.
