Srinagar, Oct 10:  Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Sunday said that police have unearthed the conspiracy behind Shahgund killing by arresting four militant associates of LeT in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said a LeT (TRF) module was busted by arresting the militant associates involved in the killing of Mohammad Shafi Lone alias Sonu, a resident of Naidkhai.

He said that the killing was carried out at the behest and instruction of LeT(TRF) handler Lala Umar, a resident of Pakistan. “To carry out the nefarious design, a conspiracy was hatched by a LeT(TRF) module of Shahgund, Hajin area. The module carried out a thorough reccee of the target and all his movements were closely watched.”

On the fateful evening, he said, one of the OGWs who was known to the victim, called the victim for a meeting at Gundboon. “At the place, a detailed ambush/trap had been laid by the other members of the module. Once the victim reached the spot he was swiftly assassinated,” he said.

A special team of Bandipora Police was entrusted with the investigation of the case and after “thorough human and technical corroboration, the module was busted and four OGWs arrested,” he said.

He identified the arrested OGWs as Tariq Ahamad Dar alias Tariq Khoucha, Mohammad Shafi Dar, Mudasir Hassan Lone and Bilal Ahamad Dar alias Sahb Khoucha.

“However one of the OGWs involved in the shooting identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Dar alias Kotru resident is absconding and has joined the militant ranks,” he said.

In this regard, he said, a case FIR No 76/2021 of PS Hajin u/s 304, 34, 124-B of IPC and 7/27 of IAA has been lodged in police station Hajin and investigation is underway. “Further arrests are expected”, IGP added. gns