LeT’s ‘Khargosh’ flees India, surfaces in Saudi Arabia via fake identity

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Umer Harris, alias 'Khargosh', is believed to be in Saudi Arabia after escaping India using a forged passport issued under the name Sajjad, purportedly a resident of Rajasthan, officials told PTI on Sunday.

The Srinagar Police, leading the probe into the inter-state LeT module, has shared details with central intelligence agencies, flagging systemic loopholes that enabled the misuse of identity and passport systems. The case, initially registered by Jammu and Kashmir Police, is likely to be taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with inputs already shared with multiple state police forces.

Officials said Harris fled to Indonesia before using another forged travel document to relocate to Saudi Arabia between 2024 and 2025. Efforts are underway through diplomatic channels to secure his deportation.


Contrary to earlier claims of Karachi origin, Harris is from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to evade prosecution in multiple arson cases and was infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir in 2012. He earned the alias 'Khargosh' for his ability to quickly evade security forces.

Investigations revealed that Harris operated across Bandipora and Srinagar, later marrying the daughter of an LeT Over Ground Worker. The Nikah ceremony took place in Jaipur under his assumed identity, Sajjad. Marriage documents were subsequently used to support his passport application, raising serious concerns over verification failures.

The revelations emerged after Srinagar Police dismantled a “deep-rooted” inter-state LeT module, arresting five individuals, including Pakistani terrorists Abdullah alias Abu Hureira and Usman alias Khubaib. Abdullah had been on the run for 16 years and had established operational bases outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Three Srinagar residents — Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias Mama — were also arrested for providing logistical support, including shelter, food, and arms procurement.

The investigation uncovered a widespread network spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab. Terror operatives used forged identities and documents to establish safe houses and logistical chains. Hideouts in forested areas around Srinagar were also busted during the probe.

The crackdown began on March 31 with the arrest of Naqeeb Bhat from the Pandach area. Interrogation led to further arrests and exposure of the network’s structure, funding patterns, and cross-state operations. The operation was monitored by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat.

Officials said Abdullah and Usman, categorised as ‘A+’ militants, infiltrated India around 16 years ago and commanded nearly 40 foreign terrorists over time, most of whom have since been neutralised.

The bust follows the exposure of the “Al Falah module” in November 2025, involving radicalised professionals. One accused, Dr Umer-un Nabi, carried out a deadly car bombing outside the Red Fort on November 10.

(With inputs from PTI)