“One terror associate has been officially detained in connection with the Reasi atrocity. The suspect isn’t the one who planned the attack, but he played a significant part in the attack” claimed Reasi Chief Director of Police Mohita Sharma.

Police say Hakam who was a local in Rajouri, “was involved in sheltering terrorists numerous times. In addition to offering shelter and food in addition, he was an aid to the terrorists and guided them to arrive at the scene of the attack. The suspect is believed to be a key militant who assisted the terrorists during the commission of the attack. The investigation and interrogation are in progress.”
SSP Mohita said that Hakam was awarded Rs.6,000 to assist. “Hakam has also stated that there was a presence at the scene of the attack and was able to hear shots. Following an attack, the terrorist escorted the terrorists away from the area. In various instances, terrorists would visit his home. A day prior to the incident, they were at his house,” she added.

Furthermore, SSP Mohita mentioned that “around 150 people have been arrested in connection with this case.”
“We have detained the terrorist who was from Bandrahi located in Rajouri district. I was able to reach the site where the attack took place after 1.5 hours, however the police arrived quickly and helped in rescuing the wounded. As it was the swearing-in ceremony for the new government, as well as the India-Pakistan game that was scheduled, we were alert. We have not received any specific information about the attack,” she said.

Prior to the attack, J&K police had released sketches that showed one terrorist who were involved in the attack. The police also offered an amount of Rs 20 lakh if they could provide information about the attack.

There were 10 deaths and 33 wounded after terrorists opened fire on a bus that was carrying pilgrims who were from Uttar Pradesh in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on the 10th of June and caused the bus to plunge into a gorge according to an official of the senior police department. The bus was on its way back to Katra, home of the Shiv Khori cave temple to Katra and was traveling on an NH144A-NH144A link road through thick forests and a hilly terrain.

Residents and officials have been assisting in rescue efforts and security forces, which included officers, Army, and CRPF personnel, launched a hunt operation to capture the perpetrators. The area, which is located 100 kilometers northwest of Jammu has been closed off.

(With agency inputs from the agency)