Srinagar, July 11 (NVI): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against designated Hizbul Mujahideen commander Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, alias Fayaz alias Sajad, who is wanted in connection with the 2013 Tarzoo (Hygam) terror attack in Sopore that left four Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel dead, officials said on Saturday.
Officials said the Red Corner Notice was issued following a request by Indian authorities, enabling international law enforcement agencies to trace, detain and facilitate the extradition of the accused to India to face trial.
The case relates to the April 26, 2013, terrorist ambush at Peer Mohalla in Hygam area of Sopore, where armed terrorists attacked a police party, killing four policemen. The investigation was transferred to the SIA in 2024 for further probe.
According to officials, the agency completed its investigation and filed a chargesheet in July 2024 against six accused after collecting fresh evidence and reconstructing the conspiracy behind the attack.
During the investigation, two accused were killed in separate encounters with security forces, while three others were arrested and are currently facing trial, officials said.
Kandoo, a resident of Sopore, remains absconding and is believed to have crossed over to Pakistan. He has been associated with the banned Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010 and was designated as an individual terrorist by the Government of India in October 2022.
Officials said the investigation established Kandoo’s alleged role in the 2013 attack and linked him to several other terror-related cases, including attacks on security forces, targeted killings, arms smuggling and terror financing.
The SIA described the issuance of the Interpol Red Corner Notice as a significant step in efforts to trace and bring back fugitives involved in terrorism, adding that it would continue to pursue absconding terrorists through legal and international mechanisms.—(NVI)
