Rajouri Police bust LeT logistics module, arrest 3 for harbouring terrorists in 2023 Chassana encounter
Synopsis
Three years after the Chassana encounter, Rajouri Police have traced a Lashkar-e-Taiba ground support network that allegedly sheltered and moved the terrorists killed in that firefight — and extended its reach from Rajouri-Reasi all the way to Shopian. Pistol, ammunition, and two Chinese grenades recovered from the accused point to an active, armed support cell, not just passive sympathisers.
Key Takeaways
Rajouri Police arrested three individuals — Mohd Azam , Zakir Hussain , and Mohd Mushtaq — all residents of Kot Charwal , on 18 September 2026 .
The trio allegedly harboured and facilitated the movement of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including those killed in the Chassana encounter of 4 September 2023 .
The encounter was a joint operation by Reasi Police and Indian Army's 33 Rashtriya Rifles ; one policeman and one soldier were injured.
The network allegedly operated across Rajouri-Reasi districts and through the Pir Panjal region up to Shopian .
Recovery included a pistol with magazine and ammunition and two Chinese grenades from the accused.
Investigation is linked to FIR No.
95/2026 , Police Station Dharamsal, Rajouri; further probe is ongoing.
Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday, 18 September 2026, announced the arrest of three individuals from Rajouri district for allegedly harbouring and facilitating the movement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists — including those subsequently killed in the 2023 Chassana encounter. The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in dismantling an active logistical support network linked to the proscribed terror outfit operating across the Pir Panjal region.
Who Was Arrested
The three accused, all residents of Kot Charwal in Rajouri, have been identified as Mohd Azam son of Ali Bahadur, Zakir Hussain son of Ghulam Hussain, and Mohd Mushtaq son of Mohd Iqbal. Their arrests emerged from the ongoing investigation under FIR No. 95/2026 of Police Station Dharamsal, Rajouri.
According to investigators, the trio allegedly provided shelter, logistical support, and movement facilitation to multiple terrorist groups — specifically those affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. Their direct role in aiding terrorists who were later killed in the Chassana encounter of 4 September 2023 came to light during sustained investigation.
The Chassana Encounter: What Happened
The Chassana encounter took place on 4 September 2023 in the Gali Sohab area of Upper Tulli, Chassana, in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The joint counter-terror operation was conducted by Reasi Police and the Indian Army's 33 Rashtriya Rifles (33RR).
During the initial exchange of fire, one policeman and one Army personnel were injured. After an overnight firefight, one unidentified terrorist was found dead at the site the following morning. The current arrests indicate the operation's trail has now led investigators back to a ground support network that had been operating undetected for over three years.
Weapons and Contraband Recovered
On the disclosure of the accused, a pistol along with a magazine and ammunition, and two Chinese grenades were recovered, according to police. The nature of the weapons recovered suggests the accused played an active, not merely passive, role in facilitating terror logistics in the region.
Scale of the Network
Investigators allege the module was not limited to a single incident. The three accused allegedly provided shelter and logistical assistance to multiple terrorist groups, enabling their movement across Rajouri-Reasi districts and through the Pir Panjal region up to Shopian in south Kashmir. This corridor has historically been used by LeT and other outfits to infiltrate operatives deeper into the Kashmir Valley.
This comes amid a broader security push in the Jammu region, where a series of terror-related incidents and counter-operations have underscored the persistence of cross-border infiltration networks. Further investigation into the case is ongoing, police said.
Point of View
Stretching from Rajouri-Reasi through the Pir Panjal range to Shopian, is a well-documented infiltration route, and the recovery of Chinese grenades adds a supply-chain dimension that goes beyond local facilitation. Whether this bust leads further up the chain — to handlers or financiers — will determine its real strategic value.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were arrested in the Rajouri Lashkar-e-Taiba module bust?
Three residents of Kot Charwal in Rajouri — Mohd Azam, Zakir Hussain, and Mohd Mushtaq — were arrested on 18 September 2026 for allegedly harbouring and facilitating the movement of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. Their role was uncovered during investigation into FIR No. 95/2026 at Police Station Dharamsal.
What was the 2023 Chassana encounter?
The Chassana encounter took place on 4 September 2023 in the Gali Sohab area of Upper Tulli, Chassana, in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. It was a joint operation by Reasi Police and the Indian Army's 33 Rashtriya Rifles, during which one terrorist was killed after an overnight firefight; one policeman and one soldier were injured.
What weapons were recovered from the accused?
Police recovered a pistol along with a magazine and ammunition, as well as two Chinese grenades, on the disclosure of the three accused. The nature of the arms suggests active involvement in terror logistics rather than passive sheltering.
What was the geographic reach of the alleged network?
According to investigators, the module allegedly facilitated terrorist movement across Rajouri and Reasi districts, through the Pir Panjal region, and as far as Shopian in south Kashmir — a corridor historically used for infiltration into the Valley.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, police have confirmed that further investigation into the case is ongoing. The arrests were made in connection with FIR No. 95/2026 at Police Station Dharamsal, Rajouri, and more disclosures are expected as the probe continues.
