Jammu Kashmir Police Announce Rs 15 Lakh Reward for Lashkar Terrorist Wanted in Cop Killing

BY WANI MAJID

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police have announced a bounty of Rs 15 lakh for credible information leading to the arrest of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Mohammad Lateef Bhat, who is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a policeman in Anantnag district. Officials have launched an extensive manhunt across the region to locate the suspect following the attack that occurred last month.

The law enforcement agency has taken active measures to trace Bhat by displaying posters containing his photographs at multiple prominent locations throughout the Kashmir region. The images used in the public notices were extracted from CCTV footage captured shortly after the incident unfolded. The footage shows the 22-year-old suspect, who hails from the neighboring Kulgam district, at the scene of the crime.

According to police details, the incident took place on July 22 when Bhat targeted and shot dead head constable Ashiq Hussain in the bustling Lal Chowk market area of Anantnag. Taking advantage of the crowd, the shooter fled the scene immediately after firing at the off-duty or on-duty officer. Security forces have assured the public that the identity of anyone providing reliable intelligence regarding Bhat’s location will be kept strictly confidential.