Three terror associates held with huge cache of arms in Poonch

In a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into terror activities in the Poonch district, the police have arrested a third terror associate, taking the total number of arrests to three over the past two weeks. A significant cache of arms, including seven AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of warlike stores, has been recovered from the accused so far.

According to officials, the latest arrest was made earlier today. The accused has been identified as Shafi, who is allegedly part of the same terror module as the two previously arrested individuals — Tariq Sheikh of Azamabad and Riyaz Ahmad of Chamber village — who were apprehended on August 31.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, BS Tuti, said in a statement, “Dogged determination and relentless investigation have led to the arrest of three terror sympathisers, along with the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles (four recovered earlier) and a large quantity of warlike stores in Poonch.”

Tariq Sheikh and Riyaz Ahmad were initially arrested during a raid on Sheikh’s residence in Azamabad. Their interrogation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles. Further questioning resulted in the recovery of two additional rifles, reportedly intended to be delivered to Pakistani terrorists.

Subsequent raids at Sheikh’s rented accommodation in Jallian village led to the seizure of more weapons. Based on the information provided by the arrested duo, police later apprehended Shafi, the third member of the terror module.

Police sources have revealed that the arrested individuals may have links to Over Ground Workers (OGWs) operating in other districts of the Union Territory. “Further investigations are underway, and more raids and arrests are likely, as inputs suggest the module has connections in other parts of the UT,” the sources added.