Srinagar, Nov 8 (UNI) J&K Police on Friday said that the recent grenade attack at a busy “Sunday market” in Srinagar, which injured 12 civilians, has been solved and three accused associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba have been arrested in the case.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdhi said the Srinagar police worked very hard on this case and arrested three terrorists and their associates.
He said on November 3, at around 2.15 PM, a grenade was lobbed in the middle of the “Sunday market” in Srinagar and 12 civilians were injured in the attack. Two of the civilians-- a 39-year-old lady and 50- 50-year-old lone bread earner, were severely injured in the attack.
“The Srinagar police worked very hard on this case and in no time solved the case. Police assigned tasks to their teams and arrested the terrorists and their associates involved in this brutal act,” IGP said during a press conference in Srinagar.
He identified the three as Osama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh, all three of them are residents of Ikhraj Pora Srinagar, who were linked with LeT.
Birdhi said they lobbed this grenade to disturb peace here on the directions from handlers in Pakistan.
A police officer said following the grenade incident, an FIR was registered at Kothibagh Police Station under sections 16 UAPA, 209, 115 BNS, and 3/4 of the Explosive Substances Act.
He said a comprehensive investigation was promptly initiated and dedicated police teams conducted continuous, exhaustive efforts over several days, which led to the identification and apprehension of those responsible for this act of terrorism.
“Multiple suspects were questioned. The painstaking investigation finally led to the arrest of three terrorists,” the officer said.
The officer said the three terror associates, now in police custody, were found to be active participants in the criminal conspiracy.
“It was established that Usama Sheikh, who is already listed as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) with a history of involvement in terrorism-related activities, executed the grenade attack, while the other two provided planning and logistical support, including reconnaissance,” the officer said.
Police said Usama Sheikh had been previously arrested in 2018 in a case at Nowhatta Police Station regarding terror activities and was lodged at Central Jail Srinagar for several months before being released on bail.
UNI MJR BD