Kashmir donations for Iran under scanner as agencies flag ‘middlemen taking cuts’

Amid large-scale humanitarian donations from the Kashmir valley for Iran, security agencies have launched a probe over suspected misuse of funds, with middlemen allegedly siphoning off money and diverting it towards anti-India activities. Officials have flagged that while contributions were made in good faith, the growing role of unverified intermediaries has raised serious concerns over transparency and accountability.

According to preliminary findings, around ₹17.91 crore has been collected across the valley following a call for aid, with Budgam alone contributing nearly ₹9.5 crore. While donations made directly to the Iranian embassy are considered secure, authorities suspect that funds collected in cash by local agents and organisations may not be reaching their intended destination.

Investigators from the State Investigative Agency (SIA) believe a network of middlemen and dubious entities has emerged, allegedly taking cuts or misappropriating funds. Names of several individuals linked to the financial chain have surfaced, with officials examining possible links to earlier cases involving financial irregularities and alleged anti-India activities.

Authorities have also drawn parallels with past incidents, where funds collected under humanitarian or religious appeals were allegedly diverted for unlawful purposes. The absence of proper monitoring mechanisms, especially in door-to-door collections, has created significant gaps in oversight, making it easier for unauthorised actors to exploit public sentiment.

In response, the SIA has recommended stricter verification, monitoring, and regulation of donation channels. Officials have urged people to contribute only through authorised and direct routes to minimise the risk of misuse, warning that unregulated collections could lead to financial diversion and potential security threats.