J&K Police Deploy GPS Anklets on Terror Suspects Released on Bail
In a significant security measure, Jammu and Kashmir Police have fitted GPS tracking anklets on three alleged overground workers of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit who were granted interim bail by court orders. The suspects—identified as Mool Raj, Layaket Ali, and Maqbool—had been incarcerated for their alleged involvement in a devastating 2024 attack on an army convoy in Jammu's Kathua district that resulted in the deaths of five soldiers.
Court-Ordered Monitoring and Police Supervision
The release of the three individuals and the subsequent fitting of GPS anklets followed explicit orders from the Kathua principal district and sessions judge on Wednesday. The sophisticated tracking devices are securely fastened around the ankle, enabling law enforcement to monitor their real-time location continuously and ensure strict compliance with bail conditions.
A police spokesperson confirmed, "The devices were fitted under the direct supervision of SSP Mohita Sharma to guarantee uninterrupted monitoring of the accused persons' movements." This technological intervention represents a proactive approach to balancing judicial processes with national security imperatives.
Background of the Kathua Terror Attack and Arrests
The trio was arrested on July 25, 2024, as security agencies conducted extensive searches in the upper reaches of Kathua following the July 8 ambush. That terrorist attack not only claimed the lives of five army personnel but also left an equal number wounded. According to investigative findings, Raj, Ali, and Maqbool allegedly provided logistical support to the terrorists, including access to Wi-fi facilities.
They face multiple serious charges, including waging war against the nation and deliberately withholding crucial information about the terror strike from law enforcement authorities. Their arrests came after police investigators scanned and interrogated over 100 individuals, highlighting the extensive scope of the probe.
Broader Security Measures and Historical Context
The police spokesperson further revealed that preventive measures have been initiated against more than 40 additional individuals to mitigate potential risks and disrupt any support systems for terrorist activities. This comprehensive strategy underscores the determined efforts to prevent future incidents.
Jammu and Kashmir Police pioneered the use of GPS anklets in India in 2023 when they attached one to terror suspect Ghulam Mohd Bhat. Such electronic monitoring technology has been employed for years in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand to supervise suspects on bail, parole, or house arrest, often serving as an alternative to incarceration to alleviate prison overcrowding.
The implementation of GPS anklets in this case demonstrates an evolving approach to counter-terrorism, combining judicial oversight with advanced surveillance technology to maintain security while respecting legal procedures.
