In a significant breakthrough in a decades-old terror case, the Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) has arrested a Srinagar resident for his alleged involvement in the 2000 Red Fort blast that shook the nation's capital.
The Arrest and Investigation Details
The SIA apprehended Mohammad Amin Rather, also known as Amin Khaki, from the Batamaloo area of Srinagar. The arrest came after intensive investigations revealed his suspected role in the terrorist attack that targeted one of India's most iconic monuments.
According to official sources, Rather had been evading authorities for years. The SIA's special team tracked him down following specific intelligence inputs about his whereabouts and involvement in the case. The agency has described this arrest as a crucial development in solving the terror attack that remained partially investigated for over two decades.
Background of the Red Fort Attack
The December 22, 2000 terrorist attack on Red Fort marked one of the most audacious assaults on Indian soil. The historic monument, which serves as an important military base housing an army unit, was targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists.
During the attack, militants opened fire and launched grenades, resulting in the death of three security personnel, including two Army jawans and one civilian security guard. The incident created nationwide shockwaves due to both the symbolic significance of the target and the sophistication of the attack.
Investigations had previously led to multiple arrests, but several key suspects remained at large. The case saw numerous twists and turns over the years, with various agencies pursuing different leads across the country.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The SIA has indicated that Rather's arrest is part of a broader effort to revisit and resolve pending terror cases in Jammu and Kashmir. Agency officials stated that they uncovered fresh evidence linking Rather to the conspiracy during their recent investigations into historical terror cases.
Rather has been charged under relevant sections of anti-terror laws and is currently in police custody. The SIA is conducting further interrogations to uncover additional details about the planning and execution of the attack, as well as to identify any other individuals who might have been involved but escaped justice.
The agency has also been investigating the funding sources and support network that facilitated the attack. Officials believe this arrest could lead to more breakthroughs in understanding the operational methods of terrorist organizations active during that period.
Legal experts note that this development demonstrates the continued commitment of security agencies to pursue justice in terror cases, regardless of how much time has passed. The SIA has emphasized that no terror case will be considered closed until all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The arrest has reignited discussions about the importance of sustained counter-terrorism efforts and the need for specialized agencies like the SIA to address long-pending security challenges. Security analysts have praised the persistent investigative work that led to this breakthrough after 23 years.
