Ex-Pak soldier goes round in circles to confuse investigators

Mohammad Afzal, a 29-year-old former Pakistani army soldier who was arrested by the BSF after he crossed into the Indian side from International Border (IB) in Samba sector, is going round in circles to perplex the investigators by his inconsistencies.

Police have now sent him to the Joint Interrogation Center (JIC), Jammu for sustained questioning to unravel the mystery. Afzal, a resident Shakkargarh in Pakistan, was arrested when Border Security Force (BSF) was patrolling near the International Border at Basantar in Bengalarh area of Samba district on Wednesday night. Two mobiles, two headphones and one handkerchief were recovered from his possession. Later he was handed over to the Police Post Rakh Ambtali in the Samba district of Jammu. Sources said during interrogation he had told investigators that he was a former soldier who had served Pakistan army for nine years before he was discharged from services on health grounds. In fact, before his arrest, he had made a bid to cross also but due to the presence of BSF, he could not sneak in.

"He said that he was serving in the Pakistan army and he was discharged from services about, four-five years ago, due to health issues. Whatever he is saying, right or wrong, we do not have any corroboration and that is why we are sending him to JIT in Jammu for sustained questioning", said Dr Koshal Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police, Samba.

Investigators are confused since he has no explanation why he crossed the border. "He has no plausible explanation and he just says he just wanted to see India. No incriminating material was recovered from him. Now he has been sent to JIT to know what exactly has happened and whether he is mentally fit", said Dr Sharma.

ONGOING PROBE

• Sources said the police are not taking his statement on the face value and they are working on all angles to unravel the truth. 
   
• Investigators have sought the help of cyber experts to decipher his two mobiles which were recovered from him