During the investigation by NIA, it was found that Syed Hilal Andrabi, who was an active worker for JeM, provided logistics, weaponry, etc to the terrorists. He was currently residing in the valley.
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed operative for his role in the 2017 Lethpora attack. According to the agency, a resident of Pulwama Syed Hilal Andrabi (35) was arrested on Saturday.
"The terrorist attack on CRPF Group Centre, Lethpora was carried out in the intervening night of 30-31 December 2017 by three terrorists of proscribed terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM). During the investigation by NIA, the terrorists were identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, Manzoor Baba and a Pakistani terrorist Abdul Shakoor resident of Rawalakot area of POK. All three terrorists were killed in the encounter. In this attack, 5 CRPF personnel were martyred and three were grievously injured," NIA said.
Also read: NIA sends final warning to Hurriyat chf Mirwaiz, asks him to join investigation
During further investigation, it was found that Syed, who was an active worker for JeM, provided logistics, weaponry, etc to the terrorists. He was currently residing in the valley.
"Arrested accused Syed Hilal Andrabi is an active OGW (Over Ground Worker) of terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad. He is a key conspirator who provided logistic support in the form of sheltering the terrorists and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF Group centre, Lethpora before the terrorist attack," NIA said.
With the arrest of Syed, the total number of the accused apprehended in this case has risen to four. Earlier, three accused were arrested for being a part of the conspiracy. They were Fayaz Ahmad Magrey, Manzoor Ahmed Bhat and Nisar Ahmed Tantray.
"After his arrest from Jammu, accused Syed was produced before the competent court and his five days’ police custody has been obtained for unearthing the larger conspiracy behind this attack," NIA added.
According to the sources, there are at least two more accused who were involved in the attack and are still at large. NIA is intercepting their location and soon they will be arrested, sources said.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.