SRINAGAR: In a dramatic turn of events, Nazir Ahmad Wani, a political activist who recently contested the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police for a 1993 grenade attack on law enforcement personnel in Saharanpur. Wani, also known by aliases Mustafa Bani and Javed Iqbal, had been evading authorities for 31 years.
Wani (51) was apprehended at his residence in Rakh Hakermulla, Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in a joint operation conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Deoband police, and Jammu and Kashmir Police. He was subsequently transported to Saharanpur, where he faces trial.
The 1993 grenade attack at a police checkpoint in Deoband, Saharanpur, injured two policemen and two civilians. Wani was initially arrested in 1994 but allegedly absconded after being granted bail. Investigations revealed his affiliation with the banned Hizbul Mujahideen organisation, and a non-bailable warrant was issued against him by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Saharanpur after he failed to appear for trial.
SP Rural Sagar Jain confirmed Wani’s militant links, while talking to ETV Bharat, “Interrogation has revealed that Wani is an active member of Hizbul Mujahideen. He was involved in a grenade attack and later forged identity documents under the group’s instructions.”
Adding to the complexity of the case, Wani entered politics and contested as an independent candidate in the 2024 Assembly elections from Budgam. His election affidavit listed a pending criminal case under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code but omitted mention of the grenade attack and forgery charges.
The affidavit also disclosed substantial assets, including immovable property valued at 3.15 crore and movable assets worth 5.5 lakh. His wife declared assets worth 1 crore and liabilities of 16.2 lakh, including a housing loan. Wani admitted to not filing income tax returns for five years, citing his occupation as a businessperson.
Authorities are now investigating whether Wani’s foray into politics was a calculated attempt to obscure his fugitive status. “Although he has been handed over to UP police, his political activities and sources of income will be scrutinised,” said a senior official.
