The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s special cell, State Investigation Agency (SIA), on Saturday (July 11, 2026) secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against designated Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Fayaz alias Sajad, who is the accused in the 2013 Hygam terror attack in Sopore that claimed the lives of four J&K Police personnel.
Wanted in terror attacks
The SIA investigation established Kandoo’s active role in the Hygam terror attack. “Besides, he is wanted in at least 10 more terror-related cases involving terrorist attacks, targeted killings resulting in the deaths of more than 15 persons, arms and ammunition smuggling, and narco-terror financing. Despite sustained efforts by law enforcement agencies, he had continued to evade arrest,” the SIA said.
The agency said the notice will facilitate international law enforcement agencies in locating, detaining, and initiating legal proceedings for the extradition of the accused to India to face trial.
The SIA said the issuance of the notice was a testament to the painstaking and professional investigation carried out by the SIA and “commitment to ensuring that terrorists involved in heinous acts of violence are brought to justice irrespective of their location”.
On April 26, 2013, terrorists laid an ambush at Peer Mohalla, Hygam, Sopore, and attacked a police party, which resulted in killing of four police personnel. The case was initially registered at Tarzoo police station in Sopore and it was later transferred to the SIA in 2024 for a comprehensive investigation.
Comprehensive chargesheet
“Following an extensive investigation involving meticulous collection and analysis of evidence, examination of witnesses, and reconstruction of the conspiracy, the SIA successfully completed the investigation and added more offences on the basis of fresh evidence and filed a comprehensive chargesheet before the competent trial court in July 2024 against six accused persons,” the SIA said.
Two accused were eliminated in encounters with security forces, while three others were arrested and facing trial. “The sixth and the main accused, Kandoo, is absconding and is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan,” said the SIA.
Kandoo has been an active member and commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010. “Owing to his sustained involvement in terrorist activities, he was notified as a designated individual terrorist by Government of India in October, 2022,” said the SIA.
Published – July 11, 2026 04:59 pm IST
