In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police's Special Cell announced the arrest of Javaid Ahmad Matoo, a 32-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist wanted in connection with 11 terror attack cases in Jammu and Kashmir. The Special Commissioner of Police (SCP), HGS Dhaliwal, hailed it as a major achievement during a press conference.
Matoo, identified in "11 known terror attack cases," was apprehended from Delhi's Nizamuddin area while driving a stolen car. He carries a reward of Rs 10 lakh and is affiliated with terrorist outfits Hizbul Mujahideen and Al Badr. Matoo's violent activities date back to 2010, when he led a terrorist module with six members in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dhaliwal revealed that Matoo, categorized as an "A++" terrorist, has been involved in multiple grenade attacks and the killing of at least five police personnel in separate incidents. Despite suffering a bullet injury in 2012, Matoo continued his involvement in attacks, evading security agencies by changing his identity.
The police seized a loaded pistol and an extra magazine from Matoo upon his arrest. While he has recently come to Delhi, there is no indication of his involvement in any cases within the national capital as of now.
Discussing Matoo's associates, an officer mentioned Abdul Mazid Zargar, who is currently in Pakistan and involved in cross-border smuggling. Abdul Qayum Nazar, the operational in-charge of the terrorist module, was killed in a Jammu and Kashmir encounter. Other associates, including Tariq Ahmed Lone, Imtiyaz Kundu, Mehraj Halwai, and Wasim Guru, met various fates, such as fleeing to Pakistan or getting killed in encounters.
Dhaliwal did not share details about Matoo's family in response to a question. The arrest marks a significant stride in counter-terrorism efforts, shedding light on Matoo's extensive involvement in violent activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
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