Pahalgam terror attack fallout: Police launch massive predawn raids

 

 

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and following directives from Police Headquarters (PHQ), extensive predawn search operations were launched to detect illegal immigrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh along with ‘Musafiri Policing’. Over a dozen suspects were rounded up for further verification as police teams carried out searches in various locations. A total of 1,150 residents were screened during the operation conducted across Bhilai and Durg.

 

According to sources, three police teams — led by Additional Superintendents of Police (ASPs) — and comprising around 214 officers and personnel, carried out coordinated surprise checks under the jurisdictions of Supela, Purani Bhilai, and Mohan Nagar police stations. Acting under the ‘Musafiri Policing’ initiative, the teams conducted simultaneous raids around 4:30 am on Sunday. During the extensive searches in colonies, localities, and slum areas, police verified documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and cross-checked alibis of residents. The fingerprint verification was also undertaken for suspected individuals. The Mohan Nagar team, headed by ASP (Rural) Abhishek Jha, searched areas including Vambay Awas and Urla. The Purani Bhilai team, under ASP (City) Sukhnandan Rathore, focused on Hathkhoj, Puraina, and Bajrangpara. Meanwhile, the Supela team led by ASP (IUCAW) Padmashri Tawar, conducted operations in Karbala Maidan. As a result of the surprise checks, 14 suspects were apprehended and cases were registered against them under sections 128 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

 

ASP (Rural) Abhishek Jha informed the newspaper that the operation  was aimed to identify and verify the presence of illegal immigrants and outsiders under ‘Musafiri Policing’. He stressed the importance of tenant verification and urged residents to comply with local police procedures to avoid any legal consequences. Coordination with police from other states is being carried out to track interstate migrants.