27-05-2025
On the run since 2008, Moradabad court jails Hizbul terrorist for 10 years
Bareilly: A Moradabad court sentenced a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist to 10 years in prison for his role in a 2002 terror plot involving explosives and weapons. Ulfat Hussain, also known as Mohammad Saiful Islam and a resident of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested in his home state in March this year, 17 years after he absconded after being released on bail in 2008.
Hussain was first arrested by Katghar police on July 9, 2002, along with three other terrorists. Based on their information, police recovered an AK-47, an AK-56, two 30-bore pistols, 12 hand grenades, 29kg of explosive material, 50 detonators, 39 timers, 8 magazines and 560 live cartridges. Officers suspected the group had planned to target religious sites and crowded areas in Moradabad.
After being granted bail in 2008, Hussain went into hiding.
He remained at large for nearly 17 years. Moradabad court issued permanent warrants against him in 2015 and again in 2025. A reward of 25,000 rupees was announced for his arrest. On March 8, 2025, a joint operation by UP ATS and Katghar police led to his arrest in Poonch. He was brought to Moradabad and lodged in jail.
Additional district govt counsel Suresh Singh said, "After a prolonged trial, the court of additional district judge Chhaya Sharma found him guilty and awarded him 10 years in jail." The court convicted him under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) and section 7 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, section 5 of the Explosives Substances Act, and section 25 of the Arms act.
