NIA to probe LeT militant escape
◗ NIA will look into the conspiracy aspect of the case to ascertain whether there was any involvement of the staff of the Srinagar Central Jail
National Investigation Agency ( NIA) will investigate the conspiracy regarding escape of a top Lashkar- e- Tayyaba militant, Naveed Jhutt, from the SHMS hospital in Srinagar. The incident took place earlier this month when militants stormed the SHMS hospital where Jhutt was referred for medical treatment and managed to escape with the Lashkar operative. Two policemen were also killed in the incident.
Sources said the NIA will primarily look into the conspiracy aspect of the case to ascertain whether there was any involvement of the staff of the Srinagar Central Jail, where Jhutt was lodged. Investigating officials claimed that Jhutt should have been first referred to the police hospital for treatment instead of SHMS and it needs to be ascertained whether there was any collusion on part of the jail doctors or any other prison staff.
“It is surprising that an important terror operative like Jhutt managed to get favourable orders form the jail authorities to go to SHMS instead of a police hospital where security is more stringent. The NIA will investigate this aspect now,’’ the official added.
Following the incident home ministry had directed the state government to use CRPF for prison security and movement of important militants. The home ministry had also asked the J& K authorities to transfer some terrorists out of the Srinagar jail to other parts of the state, particularly in Jammu region.
Sources claimed following Centre’s directive so far 25 important militants have already been moved to other jails out of Srinagar. It has also been decided that from now on all militants will now be taken to the police hospital for any treatment.
The state government is also conducting a detailed inquiry into the incident and will soon submit a report to the Home Ministry. The state prison authorities have been asked to point out the lapses that led to Jhutt’s escape and what steps have been initiated to revamp jail security.