Srinagar, July 17: In a major crackdown on narco-terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir Police constable Arshid Ahmad Thoker has been terminated from his position after investigations revealed his deep involvement in supporting the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit and facilitating their activities.
Arshid Ahmad Thoker, who joined the police force in 2006, had been working as a Personal Security Officer (PSO) and driver for various police and civil officers. However, he exploited his position to aid the JeM network, becoming an essential conduit and logistic supporter for the dreaded terrorist organization.
Investigators have discovered that Arshid Ahmad Thoker's association with the JeM network further strengthened his belief in terrorist ideology. “He took advantage of his police identity to evade security checkpoints and facilitate the movement of terrorists and contraband”.
Investigators revealed that Arshid came in contact with a hardcore Over Ground Worker (OGW) of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie, aka RK, son of Mohammad Kamal Ganie resident of Sheikhpora Wathoora, Budgam. “Mushtaq, introduced Arshid to JeM network and thus he became an indispensable conduit and logistic supporter for this dreaded terrorist outfit in Budgam and Pulwama, especially in Chadoora-Kakapora axis”.
It was given out that he took full advantage of his police identity to escape police and security forces naka points. He had absolute clarity about his twin goals. Firstly, financing terrorism to which he was ideologically committed. Secondly, to earn illegal money through narcotic trade, to satisfy his greed," Sources said.
In May 2020, his arrest, along with several terror associates, led to the seizure of firearms, ammunition, a hand grenade, a significant amount of cash, and narcotics intended for financing terrorist activities. The recoveries included one Chinese Pistol with Pistol Magazine, Four Pistol Rounds, One Hand Grenade and Indian Currency of Rs 1,55,000 and 1Kilogram of Heroine.
Officials said the cash recovered from Arshid and his associates was intended to be used for the purpose of terrorism. He also used vehicles to facilitate/ferry the JeM terrorists.
It was further given out in the investigation report that the accussed would always go unnoticed at police/army naka points by displaying his police identity card which would save him from any search including of those riding with him on motorcycle or in any other vehicle.
“The narco-terror activities of Arshid remained undetected over the years because of being a member of police force. Instead of helping the department in fighting terror which he was mandated for, he chose to be a mole and a collaborator and betrayed his oath and uniform,” report said.
Arshid’s disloyalty towards the nation and department by becoming an accomplice and OGW of JeM terror outfit has wreaked colossal damage on to the department, society and the state,” the investigation report said to have stated.
