Says He Was Wanted In Case regarding Detection Of Car Bomb In Pulwama Last Year
Srinagar, Feb 06 (GNS): Chief of “Lashker-e-Mustafa” which according to police is an offshoot of Jaish-e-Mohammad was arrested by police in Jammu district, officials said.
A senior Police officer told GNS that Hidayatullah Malik, a categorized militant from Shopian district was arrested in a joint operation by Jammu Police and Anantnag Police.Legal proceedings have been initiated and further investigations are on, the officer said.
Later in a statement, police said first arrest of LeM militant was that of Ayaz Bhat of Anantnag from whom one pistol was recovered on January 18 in Case FIR No. 09/2021 of PS Anantnag). “On his disclosure, two more associates namely Rayees Mir of Pampore and Shakir Itoo of Shopian were arrested from whose possession two grenades were recovered (Case FIR No. 10/2021 and FIR No. 11/2021 of PS Anantnag),” he said, adding, “4 more associates hailing from Anantnag were arrested and two Pistols, AK-47 rounds and hand grenades were recovered. (Case FIR No. 13/2021 of PS Bijbehera and FIR No. 20/2021 of PS Bijbehera).”
During the further course of investigation, he said, arrested associates revealed that Hidayatullah Malik is putting up in Bathindi area of Jammu and planning major attack in Jammu City being the winter capital of of J&K.
Accordingly, he said, a special team of Anantnag Police was constituted and deputed to Jammu to launch the operation. “Today, at about 03:30 PM an operation was launched with the assistance of Jammu police at Kunjwani Jammu. During the joint operation the militant attacked the joint party and tried to escape from the spot but the team while displaying exemplary discipline and dedication apprehended him tactfully because Kunjwani area of Jammu is a very crowded place.”
He said incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including two pistols and grenades have been recovered from his possession.
“Hidayatullah is one of ten accused in case FIR No. 40/2020 of Pulwama dated 27/05/2020 pertaining to detection of the powerful car bomb which was later on destroyed on the spot to avert any major mishap. Further investigation is in progress.” (GNS)
