Ganderbal, Oct 30 (KNO): In a major crackdown on long-absconding accused persons, Jammu and Kashmir Police Thursday said that 22 absconders, who had been evading arrest for 10 to 30 years, have been traced and arrested in various cases across Jammu & Kashmir and outside the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said dedicated teams were constituted to trace and apprehend long-absconding accused.
“There were many accused who had been missing for decades in different criminal cases. We identified and traced those residing in Ganderbal district and presented them before the court,” he said.
He added that police teams were also sent outside J&K for coordinated operations. “We had a team working in Uttar Pradesh and another team led by Gulzar was sent to Bengaluru,” Poswal said.
Police said one absconder, Mudassar Aman War of Sopore, who had allegedly stabbed and extorted a shopkeeper in Bengaluru in 2013, was traced and arrested after years of evasion.
Similarly, another accused, Moustak Ahmed Wani of Kunzar Baramulla, involved in a 2013 kidnapping case in Safapora, was traced from Maharashtra where he had created a new identity nearly 300 km inside the state. He was brought to Ganderbal on transit remand and will be produced before the court, officials added.
“This is a major achievement. We are assisting the court in ensuring accused persons face trial and justice is delivered. Our message is clear that no matter how long or where they hide, absconders will be traced,” Poswal said.
Responding to a query, the SSP said that a total of 91 absconders had been identified. “Out of these, 22 have been arrested, taking the cumulative figure to 24, while efforts are underway to nab the remaining. Property attachment proceedings are also being initiated where applicable,” he said—(KNO)