First arrest made in Reasi terror attack case: J&K Police says suspect gave logistical support to terrorists

In a major breakthrough, Jammu and Kashmir police have arrested a person allegedly associated with the June 9 Reasi terror attack, in which a bus carrying pilgrims was targeted, killing nine people. This is the first arrest in the case.

According to officials, the 45-year-old accused Hakim Din is resident of Bandrahi, Rajouri district. Police believe the defendant gave the terrorists logistical support.

The accused was in communication with the militants who had assaulted the bus near Ransoo in Pouni tehsil, according to a senior police officer who verified the arrest.

"One formally arrested in the Reasi terror attack. He's not the mastermind but played an important role in the attack," Reasi senior superintendent of police, Mohita Sharma, said.

"Around 150 people have been arrested in connection with this case. We have arrested the terrorist from Bandrahi in Rajouri district. I reached the spot of the incident after 1.5 hours but the local police reached the spot immediately and were involved in the rescue of the injured...Since it was the day of the swearing-in ceremony of the new govt and India-Pakistan match, we were on alert. We did not get any specific input regarding this attack..." SSP Mohita Sharma added.

"Significant leads have been uncovered, aiding in the identification and capture of those who may be potentially involved in orchestrating the attack," according to the police, who had earlier hauled up 50 persons in connection with the case.

On June 9, a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori cave shrine to Katra in Reasi district was attacked by terrorists in Teryath village in the Pouni region, killing nine people and injuring 33 others. On June 17, the Ministry of Home Affairs turned over the case of the terror attack to the National Investigation Agency.

(With inputs from agencies)