J&K terror funding: 14 properties of Geelani and kin worth Rs 150 crore under NIA’s radar

The National Investigation Agency which has been tracking terror funding in J&K, is examining into 14 properties allegedly owned by separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his kin worth around Rs 150 crores.

According to a TOI report, officials are probing the involvement of any hawala or benami transactions in these properties, which include educational institutes, agricultural lands, flats and residences in Kashmir and Delhi. Geelani's two sons, Naseem and Nayeem, and daughters Anisha, Farhat, Zamshida, and Chamshida also allegedly have links to the properties.

The biggest among these is reportedly a seven-acre land, which houses Unique Public School at a village in Baramullah district, Jammu and Kashmir. The estimated worth of this property is said to be Rs 30 crores. Reports suggest that the land was donated to Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, an organisation floated by Geelani in 2011.

"Naseem could not be made the chairman due to protests, but he was made a life-long patron of the school this year, even as two teachers along with school principal Bhatt, protested against this forceful decision," the report quotes the NIA as saying.

However, the Geelani family has brushed off all allegations. "I've nothing to hide. Our family has always been subjected to torture and harassment and it continues," said Naseem in a statement, claiming that his bank balance at the time of receiving NIA notice was less than Rs 500, while he has a loan liability of Rs 23 lakh.