Srinagar, May 03: In a major breakthrough, Kupwara Police on Saturday said to have arrested Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, the primary accused in a 2023 sexual assault case, following a sustained manhunt lasting nearly two years.
According to media statement, the case dates back to June 1, 2023, when a young woman—lodged a written complaint at the Women Police Station Kupwara, alleging that she had been sexually assaulted by Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Saifudin Bhat and resident of Kralpora. The complaint further named his brother, Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat, as having aided in the alleged assault.
Following the registration of FIR No. 14/2023, Kupwara Police launched an immediate and thorough investigation. While Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat was arrested during the initial phase of the probe, he was later granted bail by the Court. However, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat managed to evade arrest and remained absconding despite multiple efforts by law enforcement.
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Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, SSP Kupwara constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Women Police Station Kupwara, under the supervision of DySP (DAR) Kupwara and overall oversight of the SSP himself. After months of coordinated tracking and intelligence gathering, the SIT finally located and apprehended Aijaz Ahmad Bhat on May 2, 2025.
He is currently in police custody and will face legal proceedings in the coming days.
The arrest has been widely welcomed by local residents, who praised the efforts of Kupwara Police in pursuing justice. A police spokesperson reaffirmed the district’s commitment to fighting crime and ensuring that no offender escapes the reach of the law, the statement reads.
