SRINAGAR, April 24: In a major crackdown on militant infrastructure, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have dismantled an overground worker (OGW) module linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Four individuals were arrested during the operation, police said on Thursday.
According to a statement from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, actionable intelligence was received indicating that several OGWs affiliated with LeT were plotting attacks on security forces and non-local civilians under directions from their handlers.
Responding swiftly to the input, Bandipora Police launched a district-wide manhunt and established multiple checkpoints in coordination with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Army. One such checkpoint was set up jointly at Kanipora Naidkhai Sumbal by Bandipora Police, D-Coy of 45 Bn CRPF, and E-Coy of the 13 Rashtriya Rifles.
During the operation, two suspects—Mohammad Rafiq Khanday of Watalpira Banyari and Mukhtar Ahmad Dar of S.K. Bala—were intercepted and detained. A search led to the recovery of two Chinese-made hand grenades, a 7.62 mm magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
An FIR (No. 88/2025) was registered at Police Station Sumbal under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and further investigation is underway.
In a separate but coordinated operation, another joint team comprising Bandipora Police, F-Coy of the 3rd Bn CRPF, and personnel from the 13 RR Ajas camp set up a checkpoint at Sadunara Ajas. Two more suspects—Rayees Ahmad Dar of Saderkoot Bala and Mohammad Shafi Dar of Banyari—were taken into custody. The team recovered another Chinese hand grenade, one 7.62 mm magazine, and 30 rounds of matching ammunition.
A second case was registered under FIR No. 87/2025 at Police Station Sumbal, also under UAPA provisions.
Police said both investigations are ongoing, and further arrests and recoveries are not being ruled out.
