Jammu and Kashmir Police today said four persons including two militants and two over ground workers were arrested in connection with the escape of the LeT militant Naveed Jat alias Hanzula. The police said the conspiracy for Hanzulla’s escape from the hospital premises was hatched four months ago. However, Kashmir Police chief Munir Ahmad Khan refused to describe it as security lapse saying, "ask this to the DG prisons."
Khan said on February 6 there was an incident at the SMHS hospital where Pakistan militant Hanzula along with six other detainees were brought for medical check up. He says at the point of time militants fired at the police party killing two cops. He said in this process the Pakistani militant managed to escape. "Immediately after the incident a special investigation team was constituted. During the raids the police apprehended two militants, Shakeel Ahmad Bhat and Tika Khan, OGWs Syed Tajamul, and Mohammad Shafi Wani."
"We are left with Naveed and Hilal Ahmad Rather. We are looking for them," Khan saud.
He said the arrested persons made certain disclosures that the conspiracy was initiated around four months ago. He said Tika Khan and Hilal Ahmad Rather used to visit jail and they were in constant touch with Naveed on mobile phones. He said they visited jail three times.
He said on February 6, these guys came to Srinagar and took position outside the hospital. "They had brought motor cycle and car. Both Hilal and Naveed fired at constables."
"So far we have been able to break who did it. The SIT has done its job professionally. This particular case requires professional investigation", he added.
He said that Hilal handed over the revolver to Naveed and both fired at the constables. "We could have fired back in the hospital easily but it would have killed civilians. We are not terrorists. We don't believe in the killing innocents. They killed two persons", he added. He said on the orders of the court Naveed was transferred from Kathua Jail to Srinagar central jail. He said the DG prisons has ordered inquiry in the case and the police was also investigating.
He said after the killing of top LeT militants like Abu Dujana, Abu Qasim, and Ismail, Naveed has potential to be next LeT commander. "That is why they were desperate. After the escape, Naveed went to the Hizbul Mujahideen.This shows both Hizb and thr LeT operate together", he added . He said militants have done their bit. " We will do our bit", Khan added.
While the police was addressing press conference in Srinagar, the pictures of Naveed with Hizb commander Saddam Paddar were going viral on social networking sites. However, the police chief Munir Khan when asked about the militant pictures, asked reporters not to show him these viral pictures.
