Militant involved in weapons loot at PDP MLA’s residence arrested: J&K Police

Srinagar: A Hizb militant said to be a close aide of SPO-turned-militant Adil Bashir who looted weapons from the residence of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker was arrested on Thursday at a village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Officials said Mohammad Rafiq Bhat was arrested from the residence of his uncle in Achan village of the district during wee hours Thursday. Bhat, the official said, is believed to be a close associate of Special Police Officer (SPO) Adil Bashir who looted seven rifles from the Jawahar Nagar residence of PDP MLA Aijaz Ahmad Mir on September 28.
After looting weapons, Bashir was seen with top Hizb commanders in pictures which had surfaced on social media websites. Police and security forces Thursday on a credible input apprehended a militant at Lassipora-Achan Axis in District Pulwama.
At a Naka Checkpoint, an active militant of HM outfit identified as Rafeeq Ahmed Bhat alias Salahuddin Bhai S/O Mohd Ashraf R/O Achan Pulwama was apprehended by security forces along with arms and ammunition which includes one AK 47 rifle, two magazines, 40 live rounds and other incriminating materials. He had recently joined the militant outfit in September 2018.
A case under relevant sections of law has been registered in PS Litter, Pulwama and investigation has been initiated. Preliminary investigation has revealed that he was involved in looting of weapons from the residence of MLA Wachi in Srinagar.