Srinagar, Feb 06: Key Conspirator of Kupwara Terror Module Arrested by Delhi Police

The police officials of the New Delhi Railway Station have successfully apprehended a significant conspirator involved in a recently busted terror module in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir. The arrested individual has been identified as Riyaz Ahmed, who was taken into custody on 4th February 2024. Riyaz Ahmed, along with Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather, was involved in a conspiracy to receive arms and ammunition from across the Line of Control (LOC) through terrorist handlers.

Following specific information received from the investigation agencies in Jammu & Kashmir, the police identified Riyaz Ahmad Rather, son of Gh Rasool Rather, resident of Village New Gabra, Tehsil Karnah, District Kupwara, J&K, as a wanted individual in the recent terror module case. This case involved the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of incriminating material, including 5 short AK rifles, 5 AK magazines, and 16 short AK rounds. A case FIR No: 07/2024 US 120B IPC, 7/25 Indian Arms Act, 13, 18, 20, 23, 38, 39 of UA (P) Act was registered at the Police Station-Karnah, Kupwara (J&K) for further investigation.

The recovered arms and ammunition were allegedly sent by Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh @ Shakoor and Qazi Mohammad Khushal, terrorist handlers belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). Both individuals operated from across the border. The statement further revealed that Riyaz Ahmad Rather was absconding and was expected to arrive at New Delhi Railway Station in the early hours.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, a team consisting of Inspector Vishwanath Paswan SHO/NDRS, Sub-Inspector Naseeb Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Yadram and Sushil, and Head Constables Jaiveer and Gaurav was formed and deployed at all entry/exits and strategic points of New Delhi Railway Station. Acting promptly, the vigilant staff identified Riyaz Ahmad among the crowd and apprehended him as he attempted to flee from Exit Gate No. 1 of the station in the early morning hours.

During intensive interrogation, it was revealed that Riyaz Ahmad Rather, accompanied by his friend Altaf, had boarded the Mahakaushal Express from Jabalpur and reached Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station around 3:00 PM on 3rd February 2024. From there, they took an auto-rickshaw and arrived at NDRS. Riyaz Ahmad Rather was planning to go to another hideout.

The alleged involvement of Riyaz Ahmad Rather was suspected in receiving a consignment of arms and ammunition from Khursheed Ahmad Rather, son of Lt Mohd. Yousuf Rather, and Ghulam Sarwar Rather, son of Mohd Yousuf Rather, both residents of New Gabra Karnah Kupwara, J&K, who were already arrested by the J&K Police. It is noteworthy that both Riyaz Ahmad and Altaf had retired from the Indian Army on 31st January 2023.

Police recovered one mobile phone and one SIM card from the possession of Riyaz Ahmad Rather. He has been arrested under appropriate sections of the law, and the concerned police officials of J&K have been informed for further necessary action. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the entire conspiracy.