Rajouri, Sep 15, KNT: Rajouri Police have arrested three persons during an investigation into an alleged support network in the Pir Panjal region and recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) following information provided by one of the arrested persons, officials said.
The arrested persons have been identified as Zakir Hussain, a resident of Kotcharwal Teryath; Muhammad Azam, resident of Kotcharwal Teryath; and Muhammad Mushtaq of Udhan, Rajouri.
According to police, the investigation has indicated that the three allegedly provided logistical assistance, safe transit and other ground-level support to members of a Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked group operating in the Pir Panjal region.
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Police further alleged that the accused acted as guides and facilitated the movement of members of the group towards the Kashmir Valley. Their possible links to other incidents are also being examined as part of the investigation.
An IED was subsequently recovered following the disclosure of one of the arrested persons, police said. Preliminary investigation, according to police, suggests that the device had allegedly been handed over to the person by members of the group for safe custody and possible use.
The recovery and arrests are part of an ongoing investigation aimed at establishing the wider network and identifying other persons who may have been involved, police said.
Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the alleged involvement of the three persons and examine their suspected links with other individuals and incidents
The allegations against the arrested persons are subject to investigation and legal proceedings. [KNT]
