Lethpora attack accused, his recruiter killed in Bijbehara gunfight: Police

J&K Police on Tuesday claimed the two millitants killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district were affiliated with JeM. As per the records available with the police, both the killed militants were affiliated with proscribed outfit JeM and were wanted by law for their complicity in a series of crimes including attacks on security establishments and civilian atrocities, he said.

The slain militants identified as Sajad Ahmad Bhat alias ‘Afzal Guru’ and Tawseef Ahmad Bhat both residents of Marhama, Bijbehara were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district were affiliated with JeM, police said.

According to the police records, Sajad alias ‘Afzal Guru’ was wanted in Lethpora blast in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed earlier this year.

“As per the material evidence collected during the course of investigation it was learnt that Maruti Eco vehicle used for “A picture of Sajad carrying AK-47 rifle was also circulated on social media announcing his joining the outfit. Pertinently Tawseef played a key role in recruiting of Sajad to the militant ranks,” he added.

“Both of them were part of groups involved in planning and executing series of attacks in the area. Several crime cases were registered against them. Some of the crime cases registered against Sajad include case FIR No 16/2018 and case FIR No 28/2019 pertaining to Lethpora attack. Cases registered against Tawseef include case FIR No 95/2018.”