In a revelation that has shocked many, Sheikh Aadil, a one-time sensation on social media, has found himself at the center of a serious investigation. Arrested on Thursday, he now faces allegations of corruption and aiding subversives in a money laundering case. The weight of the allegations has been detailed in a comprehensive 4000-word First Information Report (FIR).

Reports in various media outlets indicate that a six-member team is on the task to investigate Aadil's activities. Their probe aims to shed light on how a popular figure such as Aadil got involved in such grievous acts.

The FIR highlights: “It is submitted that some disturbing evidence has come from the disclosure of Muzamil Zahoor and corroborated by the expert opinion of CERT-IN. This evidence is highly sensitive and demands delicate handling.” The gravity of the allegations against Aadil is underscored by the sections he's been charged under, including Sections 167, 193, 201, 210, 218, and 221 of IPC. These are registered at the Nowgam Police Station, in addition to the FIR 149/2023 under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

It's essential to note that Aadil's descent began in March 2023. He was suspended when his involvement was ascertained during the investigation of a terror funding case. The recent arrest serves as a grim reminder of how appearances can be deceptive, and that even individuals in trusted positions can sometimes fall from grace.

Unraveling the Threads: The Arrests That Led to Sheikh Adil's Downfall | The mystery surrounding the arrest of the once-celebrated Dy SP Sheikh Adil Mushtaq began to unravel on a fateful day in early February 2023. According to an official document, the tale took a turn on February 7, when a vigilant team from the Police Station Nowgam, led by SI Javid Ahmad Wani, apprehended three individuals at Lasjan. Named Umar Adil Dar (of Soiteng), Bilal Ahmad Sidiqi (from Kursoo, Rajbagh), and Salik Mehraj (also of Soiteng), the trio was found in possession of a suspiciously high amount of cash - Rs 31, 65, 200, to be precise. Besides, they had with them a cell phone and three incriminating pages linked to the banned extremist group, Lashkar-eToiba.

Their inability to provide a convincing explanation for these recoveries raised eyebrows. Under scrutiny, they soon revealed a chilling tale: the money was meant to fund the Lashkar-eToiba operatives in Srinagar, sent by their handlers from Pakistan.

The subsequent registration of FIR No 20/2023 only deepened the intrigue. This FIR, encompassing charges under sections including 120 B, 121, and 121 A-IPC, entrusted the investigation to none other than Dy SP Sheikh Adil Mushtaq.

As the days progressed, the threads of this intricate web became clearer. Umar Adil Dar's phone divulged further secrets after being sent for forensic analysis. By February 9, Dar confessed about his earlier affiliation with Hurriyat (G) and his interactions with Pakistani handler, named Col Yasir and another individual, Aijaz Rehmani. The latter, a Kashmiri based in Pakistan, had directed Dar to collect a staggering 25 lacs from an anonymous individual at the Wanpoh filling station in Kulgam. This money, he admitted, was divided among Bilal, Zamrooda, and Yasmin, ensuring the militant group Lashkar-eToiba gained a stronger foothold in Srinagar.

Dar's Confession and Adil's Dubious Role: Deepening the Quagmire of Corruption and Subversion

Umar Adil Dar's confession continued to expose deeper layers of this murky nexus. He highlighted Salik Mehraj's involvement in frequent monetary transactions near the Government Higher Secondary School and the Filling Station at Wanpoh. The total cash handled? A staggering Rs 90 lakh. The source of this money, its purpose, and the connections to external players started to become apparent.

Yet, another twist in the tale was Sheikh Adil Mushtaq's actions following these revelations. On March 6, leading the investigation, he initiated searches at the residences of Yasmin, a resident of Namblabal Pampore, and Zamrooda, originally from Mehman Mohalla Anantnag but residing in Majid Bagh Sanatnager. While mobile phones were seized from the duo and subsequently sent for forensic examination on March 27, their indictment was limited. They were only charged under section 13 of UAPA, which later played a pivotal role in securing their bail.

The police's official stance raises questions on Adil's intentions, noting a potential missed opportunity. A significant gap of a month between the revelations and the raid allowed ample time for evidence to be possibly destroyed, suggesting lapses or perhaps deliberate oversight in the investigation.

Sheikh Adil Mushtaq, at the forefront of the investigation, was then transferred from his position at Pantha Chowk on March 11, 2023. Sumit Sharma assumed the responsibility of the probe, striving to connect the remaining dots.

Delving deeper into the financial transactions, the police meticulously examined bank accounts and dealings linked to the initial trio and the two women. By April 5, this segment of the investigation was wrapped up. Though Yasmin and Zamrooda were arrested in mid-May, their eventual release on bail was secured effortlessly. By the end of July, the official charge-sheet against all five accused was tabled, setting the stage for a legal battle with profound implications.

Sheikh Aadil, while once revered, his fall from grace has been swift and staggering. Reports are emerging daily, shedding light on a trail of corruption, aiding subversives, and even a money laundering case. A comprehensive First Information Report (FIR) of nearly 4000 words meticulously traces the events leading to Aadil's arrest.

The crux of the controversy is encapsulated in the following line, "It is submitted that some disturbing evidence has come from the disclosure of the Muzamil Zahoor and corroborated by the expert opinion of CERT-IN, which apparently seems to be highly sensitive and requires to be handled with care and caution," as per an official police report. But what could possibly lead to such an audacious claim, especially against a figure like Aadil?

Rewind to February 7, 2023, when SI Javid Ahmad Wani and his team at Police Station Nowgam made a notable arrest. They "intercepted tactfully" three individuals - Umar Adil Dar, Bilal Ahmad Sidiqi, and Salik Mehraj. Their possessions raised eyebrows: a whopping Rs 31, 65, 200 cash, a cell phone, and three pages hinting allegiance to the banned militant group, Lashkar-eToiba. When confronted, the trio couldn’t provide a plausible justification for these items. However, as the investigation deepened, they admitted to receiving funds on behalf of their Pakistani handlers to support LeT operations in Srinagar.

But the revelations weren't limited to them. Umar Adil Dar's confession stood out. "I was earlier working with Hurriyat (G) and am being handled by Pakistani handler Col Yasir and one Aijaz Rehmani," he declared. His disclosure led the investigation team to uncover a payment of 25 lacs from an unknown source, parts of which were subsequently distributed to others for "strengthening the LeT cadre in Srinagar."

Adil Mushtaq, who was overseeing the investigations, conducted searches and collected evidence. However, in a baffling turn of events, delays in some raids allowed potential suspects to possibly destroy vital evidence.

The plot thickened when the police discovered questionable transactions related to Umar Adil. An amount of five lakh rupees made its way to a PNB account in Sopore, linked to Sheikh Inamul Haq. But investigations highlighted that this was a sham. The attached photograph was an imposter's and belonged to Muzamil Zahoor.

Zahoor's arrest in a Srinagar hotel on July 19 further escalated matters. Analysis of his Telegram by CERT-IN unearthed his conversations with Sheikh Adil. "The chats among the two have been effected between 07.07.2023 to 19.07.2023," the document stated. Further, "the CERT-IN report reveals that during the period Dy SP Sheikh Adil has actively guided Muzamil Zahoor to file a false and frivolous complaint against the Police Officers..."

Zahoor's confessions further complicated the web. He confirmed his ties with Umer Adil Dar, discussed receiving a large sum, and spoke about directions from Saudi-based Asif Maqbool Dar.

All these revelations spotlight the duplicitous activities of some individuals, including Adil, and raise questions on the integrity of key players in this drama. How far does this rabbit hole go? Only time and rigorous investigations will tell.

Upon Muzamil Zahoor's return to Srinagar, his desperation led him straight to Adil Mushtaq, seeking help for Dar's release. Faced with the gravity of the situation, Mushtaq was clear about the implications, hinting at the UAPA case and the immense difficulty in securing a release. But even in these dire circumstances, greed and malfeasance made their presence felt. As per the FIR, Muzamil recalls an incident where Adil Mushtaq promised a limited investigation, albeit at a price. "..but the officer informed that he will help them by keeping the investigation limited and demanded money for the same," Muzamil claimed, stating he handed over Rs 2.73 lakh in broad daylight near VMS Pharma. Furthermore, Mushtaq's advice was clear: stay low, remain underground.

As investigations delved deeper into Muzamil's financial dealings, his anxiety grew. Again, he reached out to Adil Mushtaq, who not only lent a helping hand but also actively guided him. Mushtaq's assistance in "drafting the contents of this frivolous complaint against SHO Nowgam on telegram chat" was pivotal. The involvement didn't stop there. Muzamil was instructed to record a video clip, acting as a safeguard for himself and others. This piece of evidence was then relayed to Adil. The FIR reveals, "Eventually the frivolous complaint was filed in the court of law in Srinagar and I was told/advised by Dy. SP. Adil Mushtaq to remain underground for some more time till court order on that complaint comes, however, Police arrested me from Hotel Foot Hill, Sonwar Srinagar where I was hiding."

With a wave of allegations, deceit, and collusion, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have sprung into action. A dedicated investigative team is probing into the depths of this case, and Adil Mushtaq, once a beacon of the force, now finds himself on the opposite side, remanded in custody.

As more details wait to be unearthed, the entire state and the nation at large are keenly observing. This episode serves as a somber reminder of the intricate webs woven by corruption. As proceedings move from the precincts to the courts, it heralds the commencement of a strenuous legal journey ahead. Only time will tell the true extent of this quagmire and the repercussions it holds for all involved.