LeT terrorist's escape from Srinagar hospital sets alarm bells ringing

Naveed Jhatt alias Hanzullah, a hardcore Pakistani militant's escape has set alarm bells ringing. The escape of such a hardcore militant from a high security-zone has raised many questions.

Naveed managed to escape killing two cops who had come with him for his security. The question arises, how were Naveed's terrorist associates aware of the fact that he will be brought to the hospital that day and also about the exact timing of his entry to the hospital?

Was there any informer in the central jail? Or was he using a cell phone? Were the security arrangements not in place while a dreaded terrorist was being transported?

An investigation is now underway, necessary steps have been taken across the valley while an alert has been sounded, a police officer noted.

How did Naveed escape?

On a bright sunny day in Srinagar, State Shri Maharaja Singh Hospital was packed with patients when a blue labelled police bus carrying 6 prisoners and 20 police cops entered the hospital premises.

The prisoners were brought to the hospital for their routine checkup and while the prisoners were being taken out of police bus sound of bullet firing was heard.

At least four bullets were fired and within minutes the terrorists present in the hospital fired at the cops who guarded Naveed. One cop was fired at on his head as well as on his chest. The terrorists fired at Naveed's handcuffs and freed him. The incident happened ‪at around 11.35 am‬ and it took them only 8 minutes to free Naveed.

The CCTV footage shows the attackers running outside hospital premises and boarding a motorcycle outside. Naveed took to the road at the back of the hospital and crossed Karan Nagar while escaping.

Who is Naveed?

Mohammed Naveed Jhatt hails from Borevella, Vihadi District of Multan, Pakistan. Naveed Joined Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2010 and trained for around two years at Murredkay, the LeT headquarters. Naveed was also trained at camps at Muzaffarabad near the Shevaee Jungle and the Mansehra jungles in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Naveed Jhatt infiltrated India in the month of Oct-Nov in 2012. Seven other terrorists were also launched in India along with Naveed through the Athmuqam Farkian area in the Kupwara Sector.

Naveed was caught in 2014 by the security forces when he was trying to escape dressed as a woman. Naveed then told interrogators that Hafiz Sayeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakvi were regular visitors at the MurredKay camps.

Naveed and a group of at least 22 other terrorists had stayed for over six months in the jungles near Bandipora from 2012 to May 2013. Naveed and Ashiq Lone - another terrorist - were sent to Pulwama/ Shopian area. Before being sent to Pulwama they were given a phone, sim cards and were taught how to operate Skype. Naveed got his instructions from Pakistan and was in touch with Abu Sajad and Abu Hanzala in Pakistan.

Attacks carried out by Naveed and his group

Naveed killed a policeman in Pulwama in 2013.

Naveed also carried out attacks during the 2014 Parliamentary elections killing one teacher at Nagabal.

Naveed has also claimed responsibility for his involvement in the following attacks:

1. Hyderpora attack

2. Silver Star attack

3. SHO Chadoora attack

4. CRPF – Awanitpora attack

5. CRPF (Pampore) attack

Naveed was the district commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2014. He was also listed in A+++ category in police list with a reward of Rs 20 lakh on his head.

Where is Naveed and who helped him?

If the viral audio clip of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Riyaz Naikoo is to be believed, Naveed has reached him along with the terrorist who had gone to help him escape from the hospital. Riyaz Naikoo at present is in south Kashmir, mostly in Pulwama/Shopian area.

Naikoo's audio clip suggests that Naveed has reached south Kashmir and Hizbul Mujahideen terror group facilitated his escape.