Wanted Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Terrorist Javed Ahmed Mattoo Captured in Delhi

New Delhi: Javed Ahmed Mattoo, a notorious member of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and a wanted terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir was apprehended by the Special Cell of Delhi Police on Thursday. The arrest, made in collaboration with central agencies, saw the recovery of a pistol, six live cartridges, and a stolen vehicle from Mattoo.

Mattoo, a key figure wanted in connection with 11 terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, had been listed among the top 10 targets by security agencies in the Valley, carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head. The police revealed that Mattoo had gone underground following an injury sustained in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, he fled to Nepal on the directives of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.

Acting on intelligence indicating Mattoo’s presence in Delhi-NCR for arms and ammunition collection, the Delhi Police, in coordination with sources monitoring sleeper cells and weapon suppliers, successfully apprehended him. It was also revealed that Mattoo’s handler based in Pakistan was coordinating the delivery of arms for potential terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir.

A resident of Sopore with multiple visits to Pakistan, Mattoo was implicated in five grenade attacks and the killing of five police personnel in various incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Described by the police as one of the last surviving A++ designated terrorists from the region, Mattoo was actively involved in managing finances and logistics, including procuring weapons from ISI handlers across the border.

Notably, a video surfaced last year, just before Independence Day, featuring Mattoo’s brother hoisting the Tricolour at their home in Sopore.