Has a terror module linked to JeM been dismantled in Punjab?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three individuals linked to JeM have been arrested by Punjab Police.
- Evidence recovered includes the stolen vehicle and a firearm.
- The suspects confessed to the murder of cab driver Anil Kumar.
- The incident underscores the threat of terrorism in the region.
- Swift police action led to the capture of the suspects.
Chandigarh, Sep 2 (NationPress) – The Punjab Police have successfully dismantled a terror module associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and apprehended three individuals from Jammu and Kashmir regarding the kidnapping and murder of cab driver Anil Kumar, as confirmed by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday.
The arrested suspects are identified as Sahil Bashir (19) from Kupwara, Munish Singh (22) from Doda, and Aijaz Ahmed Khan (22) from Qalamabad.
Police have also seized the stolen white Maruti Swift Dzire and a .32 caliber country-made pistol used in the crime from the suspects' possession.
In her report, Kumar’s wife, Sudha Devi, stated that her husband left home on Friday to pick up a fare from Kharar to the Chandigarh railway station. Afterward, as she repeatedly tried to reach him, both of his mobile phones were found to be turned off.
DGP Yadav mentioned that a case was opened following initial investigations which revealed that three unidentified assailants had stolen Kumar's vehicle. Given the seriousness of the situation, multiple police teams were formed, and with swift action, all three suspects were captured.
According to the DGP, suspect Sahil Bashir is a wanted person under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act in a case registered at the police station in Qalamabad, Handwara. His brother, Sajad Ahmad Shah, was previously arrested for possession of weapons and materials connected to JeM, indicating that both are recognized as overground workers for JeM.
Detailing the operation, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ropar Range) Harcharan Bhullar reported that, in response to the complaint, several teams from Mohali Police were deployed, leading to the arrests in the Batala and Gurdaspur regions. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to fatally shooting the driver following a dispute and later disposing of his body in Mohali.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Mohali), Harmandeep Hans, indicated that the interrogation unveiled that the suspects had booked the cab under the pretense of traveling from Kharar to the Chandigarh railway station, initially instructing driver Kumar to take the route via Phase 3B2 in Mohali. When they reached Kandala village, they forced him out of the vehicle and shot him before fleeing with the car and other valuables.
Following the suspects' disclosures, police teams successfully recovered the remains of the deceased. Three bullet casings were also found near the body, he added.