An IT wizard, a great investigator

Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

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SRINAGAR, Oct 7: Officers of operational background in Jammu and Kashmir Police revealed to STATE TIMES that Altaf had voluntarily joined SOG Srinagar. 

"He purchased a laptop out of his salary and became an IT expert in a short span if time. He was unmatched in tracking the militants through Internet, analysing call detail records, navigating locations, tracking incriminating cyber traffic and using electronic data as evidence in terrorism related cases", said an officer. He said that Altaf had saved his life in two fierce encounters with militants.

Director SSG and former DIG Central Kashmir Syed Ahfadul Mujtaba said: "SI Altaf came in contact with me when he was a constable and I was SSP Srinagar in 2006. He had a great sense for investigation and even as constable contributed a lot in the investigation of fake encounter case of Ganderbal"

Mujtaba added: "Everyone speaks a lot about Altaf's counter terrorism operations and rightly so, but mainly he remained an investigator to the core. He contributed a lot in natorious murder case of Asrar Mushtaq and also Nazir Mahajan who had been killed by his son. Though he rose in ranks for his anti-militancy operations but all his operations basically were investigation based. He was one of the best police officer I have come across. May his soul rest in peace".

SSP Jammu Uttam Chand said: "Though his martyrdom is first and foremost an irreparable personal loss, I must say that J&K police stands poorer today with his passing away. For Altaf wasn't merely a person of great intuition and drive. He also possessed that qualities which are rarely to be found together---The combination of intelligence and bravado".

He added: "His contribution will forever be counted as a defining one in breaking the backbone of militancy. And though we may not be able to have another Altaf, his sacrifice only strengthens our resolve to continue our fight against terror. He leaves behind a little bit of himself in all of us; if not his abilities, at least his commitment and resolve to accomplish his unfinished task".

END

[Published in today's STATE TIMES]