THREE LASHKAR OVER GROUND WORKERS HELD

SRINAGAR: Three over ground workers (OGWs) of Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) were arrested in connection with a series of bank robberies in Baramulla and Budgam districts, police said on Saturday. As per the police, the trio was also involved in the killing of a civilian in central Kashmir.

A police spokesperson said the Baramulla Police and Army’s 29 Rashtriya Rifles initiated a joint operation on the intervening night of April 23 and 24, following a specific input and nabbed the three militant associates.

They were identified as Rahil Ahmad Parray of Kanihama, Arif Ahmad Mir of Mazhama and Naseer Ahmad Bhat of Singhpora. “The trio had robbed around Rs 9 lakh from several banks, including the J&K Bank, Khare Sherabad, Grameen Bank, Ogmuna, Grameen Bank, Panzinara, and J&K Bank, Chandipora,” the spokesperson said.

“They were also involved in the killing of a civilian, Naseer Ahmad Khan of Buchipora Magam on April 11, and were working on the directions of designated LeT operatives Yousuf Dar alias Kantru and Abrar Nadeem Bhat.”

Police recovered Rs 24,500, a Chinese pistol, two magazines, 25 live rounds, two 12 bore rifles, three cartridges and three vehicles from their possession.

Militant associated with Al-Badr outfit caught

Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested an active militant of Al-Badr outfit from Budgam district. Police said that based on specific information about the presence of militants, Budgam Police, along with 53RR and 181Bn CRPF, launched a joint search operation in Nagbal village of Chrar-i-Sharif. “During the search, a militant linked with the proscribed outfit Al-Badr was arrested. He has been identified as Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Bathpora Arwani in Anantnag. Preliminary investigation revealed the militant was in close contact with handlers in Pakistan, said police.