Army jawan arrested at Srinagar airport for carrying grenades, says he was just a 'courier'

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday arrested a soldier at Srinagar International Airport after two grenades were found in his baggage during routine X-ray screening.

Bhopal Mukhiya of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles is posted at Uri. 

The Army personnel was on his way to Delhi and was caught at security check with the grenades.

"The soldier was to board a flight to Delhi. He has been detained and lodged at the local police station for questioning," police said.

News agency ANI, the 17 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles jawan, who hails from Darjeeling, initially said that he was unaware of the grenades in his possession. Later, he retracted his statement and claimed that he was taking grenades to Delhi to cause 'blast in rivers' to catch fish.

On being pressed further, the jawan admitted the involvement of junior-level officers and said he was just a 'courier' for grenades.

NDTV has quoted a police officer as saying: "We are not taking his claim at face value and we are investigating based on evidence." 

 

"Necessary action will be taken against him. I am heading to the airport now," Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid told the media in Srinagar.

The soldier is currently being questioned.

More details are awaited.