Srinagar, July 11: The State Investigation Agency, SIA Kashmir, has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against designated Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Fayaz alias Sajad in connection with the 2013 Tarzoo terrorist attack in Sopore.
In a statement issued here, a spokesman for SIA said that the issuance of the RCN marks a major breakthrough in the Agency’s counter-terrorism efforts and will help international law enforcement agencies in locating, detaining, and initiating extradition proceedings against the accused.
The case pertains to the April 26, 2013 ambush at Peer Mohalla, Hygam, Sopore, where terrorists armed with automatic weapons attacked a police party, resulting in the martyrdom of four Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel. The case was initially registered at Police Station Tarzoo and transferred to SIA Kashmir in 2024 for further investigation.
Following an extensive probe, SIA Kashmir filed a comprehensive chargesheet in July 2024 before the competent court against six accused persons. During investigation, two accused Tariq Ahmad Mir of Kalamabad, Handwara and Qayoom Najar of Batapora, Sopore were killed in encounters with security forces. Three others — Javid Ahmad Mattoo of Sopore, Rouf Najar of Sopore, and Ahmadullah Malla of Dalal Mohalla, Srinagar — have been arrested and are facing trial.
The sixth accused, Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, a resident of Kraltang, Sopore, is absconding and believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan. Kandoo has been an active HM commander since 2010 and was notified as a Designated Individual Terrorist by the Government of India in October 2022.
Investigators said Kandoo played a main role in the Hygam attack and is also wanted in at least 10 other terror-related cases involving attacks, targeted killings that left more than 15 persons dead, arms smuggling, and narco-terror financing.
SIA Kashmir said the Red Corner Notice reflects its commitment to pursuing fugitives across jurisdictions and ensuring that perpetrators of terrorism are held accountable through legal and international mechanisms.
Further investigation in the case is ongoing.
