By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 28 May: In a major security-related operation, Jammu & Kashmir Police (J&K Police), with the assistance of local Haridwar Police, conducted a raid in Asafnagar village under Piran Kaliyar police station area of Haridwar district today and arrested a local woman, Sonam, in connection with alleged multi-crore financial transactions linked to Pakistan. The operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, has triggered widespread discussion and concern across the region.
According to police sources, the case is linked to an FIR registered in the Lakhanpur area of Kathua district in Jammu & Kashmir. A few days ago, Lakhanpur Police arrested a youth allegedly involved in routing financial transactions worth crores of rupees through Pakistan. During interrogation, the accused reportedly disclosed the name of Sonam, a resident of Asafnagar village in the Kaliyar area, following which a team of J&K Police reached Haridwar and coordinated with the local police to carry out a targeted raid.
Police sources said no cash was recovered from the spot during the raid, but investigating agencies are closely examining the woman’s bank accounts, mobile phone records and digital transaction details. It is suspected that the woman’s bank account was allegedly being used as a mule account and that large-scale transactions had been carried out through it. Investigators suspect that the network may be linked to hawala operations, money laundering and other illegal financial activities involving Pakistan-based individuals.
SP, Rural, Shekhar Chandra Suyal stated that the woman’s account had allegedly been used as a mule account and substantial financial transactions had taken place through it. He said the matter pertains to a case registered in Jammu & Kashmir and, therefore, the role of the local police remained limited to providing assistance and confirming the arrest.
Police officials also shared that the process of identifying the woman took nearly two to two-and-a-half hours. After her identification, she was taken into custody and subjected to prolonged questioning. Following the interrogation, the J&K Police obtained transit remand from the local court and took her along for further investigation. SHO Kamal Mohan Bhandari confirmed that the original case was registered in Jammu & Kashmir and that further investigation is being carried out there.
The sudden police action left the woman’s family members and local residents shocked. As news of the arrest spread, discussions intensified across Asafnagar village and adjoining areas. Many residents expressed surprise over allegations that such a large network involving Pakistan-linked financial transactions could allegedly be operating from the locality for a long period.
Security experts believe that the financial networks connected with Pakistan are often linked to terror funding, hawala transactions and money laundering activities. In view of the seriousness and sensitive nature of the matter, national investigating agencies, including the NIA, may also become involved in the probe.
Police have now intensified scrutiny of the woman’s contacts, travel history and social media activity. Officials believe that such coordinated operations are crucial for curbing cross-border financial crimes and strengthening efforts against networks that may pose a threat to national security.
