New Delhi: A 35-year manhunt has ended with the arrest of an absconding accused in the 1991 Jammu railway station blast case. The Railway Police (GRP) Jammu arrested Altaf Hussain Sheikh in Anantnag on Thursday, August 13.
Sheikh had allegedly been involved in the blast at Platform No. 1 of Jammu railway station on April 2, 1991, which killed three people, including two paramilitary personnel, and injured 18 civilians.
1991 Jammu Railway Blast Case
According to police, Sheikh was booked under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in connection with the case.
An FIR was registered at GRP Jammu under sections related to murder, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and provisions of TADA and the Explosive Substances Act.
During the investigation, one accused, Aman Ullah Khan, was arrested. Three others, including Sheikh, escaped and were later declared absconders by the court.
Accused Lived Under Concealed Identity
Police said Sheikh initially went underground and later spent several decades living under a concealed identity.
The GRP Jammu intensified its search over the past two years, carrying out detailed verification of his identity and residential records.
The investigation eventually led police to Sheikh in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag, where he had allegedly established himself as a successful businessman.
35-Year Hunt Ends With Arrest
After confirming his identity, the GRP Jammu team arrested Sheikh and brought him before the TADA Court on August 13 for further legal proceedings.
Police said the arrest followed a prolonged pursuit and detailed verification aimed at tracking down an accused who had remained at large for 35 years. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in a case dating back more than three decades.