A Delhi special NIA court has scheduled the start of prosecution evidence for November 19, 2026, in a major terror funding and money laundering case. The proceedings implicate multiple individuals, including separatist leader Yasin Malik and Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, who face charges related to illicit hawala transactions and the financing of separatist violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
A special court under the National Investigation Agency in Delhi has issued a directive to begin the presentation of prosecution evidence starting November 19, 2026. This legal milestone marks a significant phase in a long-standing case, which traces its origins back to an investigation launched in 2017. The court has officially moved to frame charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against seven individuals, including separatist leader Yasin Malik and Baramulla Member of Parliament Sheikh Abdul Rashid, who is commonly known as Engineer Rashid.
The case centers on allegations that a sophisticated financial network was utilized to destabilize the Jammu and Kashmir region. According to investigation filings, approximately Rs 8.95 crore in illicit funds was moved through hawala channels and cash couriers. The enforcement agencies contend that these funds were originally sourced from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi before being distributed to various Hurriyat leaders. These documents, which the prosecution presented to the court, reportedly link the accused to broader international fundraising operations aimed at supporting the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front.
From a legal perspective, the transition to a formal trial follows a September court order that identified sufficient grounds for suspicion based on the material provided by the prosecution. This case is notable for involving charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which focuses on criminal conspiracy and direct terror involvement, alongside the current proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The dual nature of these charges highlights the complexity of tracking financial trails in sensitive national security investigations. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act is specifically used to target the financial benefits derived from criminal activity, allowing authorities to attach assets linked to the proceeds of such alleged crimes.
During a recent closed-door hearing, which was conducted via video conference from Tihar Jail, Yasin Malik entered a plea of not guilty and officially signaled his intent to contest the allegations. The court’s decision to move forward with the prosecution’s evidence indicates that the preliminary stages of the legal process have concluded. As the trial date approaches, the focus for observers will be on the specific testimonies and financial records that the prosecution intends to place on the record. The case underscores the regulatory and legal risks associated with political and separatist activities in the region, particularly as investigators continue to scrutinize foreign funding and cash movement patterns that may violate established national security laws.