Jammu Kashmir Police Arrest 19 Long-Time Absconders

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested nineteen long-time absconders from Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian, Ganderbal, and Awantipora districts. Some of the accused had been evading arrest for over three decades in connection with serious criminal cases, including drug trafficking, rape, abduction, and theft.

According to officials, the arrests are part of the police’s sustained campaign to trace and apprehend absconding offenders. The operation involved coordinated efforts by district police units and resulted in the recovery of multiple offenders who had long evaded the legal process.

In Kulgam, police apprehended two accused identified as Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh of Nassu Badrahgund and Bilal Ahmad Ganie of Lalen Ganoor, currently residing in Qazigund. Sheikh was wanted in connection with FIR No. 107/2005 under the NDPS Act, while Ganie was wanted in FIR No. 223/2006 under the same law. Both had been absconding for nearly two decades.

In Anantnag, five absconders were detained in connection with offences including abduction, rape, and theft. They were identified as Mohd Yasin Wani of Dialgam, Abdul Gani Dar of Singhpora Ashmuqam, Sabir Khatana of Ahlan Gadole, Riyaz Ahmad Gigi of Lamed, and Manzoor Ahmad Bakerwal of Noorpora Tral. All were produced before the respective courts and remanded to judicial custody.

In Shopian, police arrested Ab Rashid Sheikh of Karewa Manloo, who had been evading arrest since 1989 in connection with FIR No. 160/1989 under the Forest Act and Section 379 RPC. He was wanted for over 35 years and was produced before the court in Shopian.

Similarly, in Ganderbal, two individuals identified as Shabir Ahmad Pakhtun and Mohd Lateef Khatana, both residents of Wangath, were arrested after evading arrest for more than three decades. They were wanted in cases dating back to 1990 and 1995 and have been produced before the court in Ganderbal.

In Awantipora, nine absconders were arrested following the issuance of non-bailable warrants by the Principal Sessions Court Pulwama. The accused, all residents of Pampore, were wanted in several criminal cases registered at the local police station. A special team led by SHO Pampore Inspector Khalid Fayaz and supervised by SDPO Pampore RP Singh carried out the arrests.

A police spokesperson said the successful arrests demonstrate the force’s commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law. “These operations reaffirm that while justice may be delayed, it will never be denied,” the spokesperson added.