‘Needs urgent medical attention’: Release Sarjan Barkati’s ill wife on humanitarian grounds, Mehbooba urges GoI

Srinagar: PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed concern over the health condition of prisoners lodged in jails within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.

She said among the inmates is Shabrooza Bano, wife of religious cleric Sarjan Barkati, who is reportedly unwell and in urgent need of medical attention.

Mehbooba described the situation as “heartbreaking,” pointing out that both parents being behind bars has left their children without care and support.

“The Government of India must take a compassionate view by releasing Shabrooza immediately so she can get proper treatment and be with her children,” she urged.

On November 24, 2023, the State Investigation Agency (SIA), the anti-terror arm of J&K Police, arrested Shabroza Bano in connection with a militancy financing case.

According to the SIA, Bano and her husband Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Barkati of south Kashmir had been involved in raising money through crowdfunding campaigns that generated around Rs1.74 crore.

The SIA statement had said that these funds were misused, involving money laundering, acquisition of undisclosed assets, and financing of secessionist and militant activities.

The SIA added that Bano remained in constant contact with Pakistan-based handlers through encrypted platforms and was “hand in glove” with her husband in the conspiracy. She had been evading arrest after Barkati’s detention in August 2023, before being taken into custody in November, the statement had mentioned.

SIA officials further said that a significant portion of the collected money had been invested in fixed deposits under the names of Barkati’s family members.

Barkati, described as a prominent figure in the 2016 unrest, has over 30 FIRs registered against him for organising protests and rallies.