The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday made the first arrest in the Reasi terror attack case. Nine persons, including seven pilgrims from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, were killed and 41 injured in the attack when the terrorists opened fire on the bus carrying pilgrims returning from Shiv Khori shrine near Teryath village in the Pouni area. The 53-seater bus veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge following the gunfire.
According to police, 45-years-old Hakimdin was arrested for harbouring the terrorist.
Significant leads were uncovered, aiding in the identification and capture of those who may be potentially involved in orchestrating the attack, police said. To ensure a comprehensive probe, search operations was expanded to cover the far-flung areas of Arnas and Mahore. The operation was aimed at uncovering further evidence and apprehending terrorists who may be hiding in these remote regions.
Police have already released a sketch of one of the terrorists and announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to the neutralization of the culprits.
SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma while addressing the media said, "A major breakthrough has been achieved in the case pertaining to the terrorist attack on the pilgrim bus which was coming from Shiv Khori on 9th June. In this, one terror associate, namely Hakimdin 45 years has been arrested by J&K Police at Reasi."
"This person was involved in harbouring the terrorists multiple times. Along with providing food and shelter, the person also acted as a guide and helped them reach the spot of the incident. The arrested person is a prime militant associate who helped the terrorists in the execution of the attack. Further interrogation and investigation of the case is going on," she added.