LeT’s ‘Khargosh’ flees India, surfaces in Saudi Arabia via fake identity
Srinagar Police, which conducted the investigation into the inter-state LeT module, shared details with central intelligence agencies, flagging systemic loopholes that allowed misuse of identity and passport systems. The case, initially registered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, is expected to be taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with inputs already shared with many state police forces.
Authorities said Harris fled to Indonesia before using another fake travel document to settle in Saudi Arabia between 2024 and 2025. Efforts are ongoing through diplomatic channels to ensure his deportation.
Contrary to previous claims that she is of Karachi origin, Harris is from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. To evade investigation in multiple arson cases, he joined Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir in 2012. He earned the nickname ‘Khargosh’ for his ability to quickly evade security forces.
Investigations revealed that Harris was active in Bandipora and Srinagar, later marrying the daughter of a LeT Over Ground Worker. The marriage ceremony took place in Jaipur with his assumed identity as Sajjad. The subsequent use of marriage certificates to support passport applications has raised serious concerns about verification failures.
These revelations came after Srinagar Police disbanded the “well-established” inter-state LeT module and arrested five persons, including Pakistani terrorists Abdullah alias Abu Hureira and Usman alias Khubaib. Abdullah had been on the run for 16 years and had established operational bases outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Three Srinagar residents – Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat and Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias Mama were also arrested for providing logistical support, including supply of shelter, food and arms. The investigation revealed a vast network spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. Terrorist agents used false identities and documents to create safe houses and logistic chains. During the investigation, hideouts in forest areas around Srinagar were also raided.
The crackdown began on March 31 with the arrest of Naqeeb Bhat from Pandach district. The interrogation led to more arrests and the revelation of the network’s structure, financing patterns and interstate operations. The operation was monitored by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat.
Abdullah and Usman, classified as ‘A+’ militants, infiltrated India about 16 years ago and commanded around 40 foreign terrorists, most of whom were neutralized over time, officials said.
The raid followed the emergence in November 2025 of the “Al Falah module” of radicalized professionals. One of the defendants, Dr. Umer-un Nabi carried out a deadly car bombing outside the Red Fort on 10 November.
(With inputs from PTI)
