Srinagar
Two days after the Special police officer (SPO) fled with the arms from the residence of a politician from Srinagar, a picture of him brandishing a rifle with four other militants has gone viral on social networking sites.
On Friday late evening SPO Adil Bashir decamped with the service weapons including seven AK-rifles and one pistol from the guard room at J-11, Government Quarters Jawahar Nagar.
“Adil Bashir Sheikh, 24, (Belt No. 488/SPO) originally belongs to Zainpora, Shopian district. Sheikh was engaged as SPO on March 11, 2017.
Soon after the incident occurred, a high alert was sounded across the Srinagar district and the routes leading to South Kashmir. Next day police also announced a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest of Adil. “Rs 2 lakh reward will be given to anyone who gives information about the deserter cop and the weapons,” police said.
But two days after his escape, Adil’s photo with four other militants including the Hizb commander Zeenat ul Islam has gone viral on social media. The photograph where Adil is seen wielding a gun has been taken at an unknown location.
On Saturday, Director General of police, Dilbagh Singh, while talking to reporters during a function at Bandipora said that a strict action has been taken against those whose “irresponsibility” led to the incident. “Those who have not done their duty with responsibility will be dealt with strictly,” he added. The DGP also said that an SPO was in touch with the militants and have reportedly joined the militancy.
Singh added that the investigations are on and if the need arises they can question even the legislator from where the SPO fled.
