Jammu blast accused a juvenile, claims family

Srinagar, Mar 8: A youth who was accused of lobbing a grenade at the Jammu bus stand, killing two men, is under 16 years of age, claims his family.
Police Friday arrested Yasir Ahmad Bhat alias Arhan of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, claiming he was apprehended while fleeing after hurling the grenade at the bus stand that left two people dead and 31 others injured Thursday.
However his family claims his date of birth is March 12, 2003, confirmed by his school records and identity cards.
The family claims their son is “innocent”.
Javeed Ahmad, Yasir’s father, said his son had “no connection” with any militant outfit.
“He is class 9 student at a school in Yaripora. He never indulged in any subversive activities,” Javeed said.
Seeking governor Satya Pal Malik’s intervention, Javeed said that the family doesn’t know Yasir reached Jammu.
“He is just 14 years old. He had gone go to his maternal home and was there for a night. Before leaving from his maternal home, he had told his grandmother that he would be going back to his home. We don’t know how he reached Jammu? How he managed the fare?” Javeed said.
He added the family was hopeful that justice would be done with their son.
“We are worried for him. His mother is in shock since the time she came to know that he has been arrested by police. Our son should be released so that he can carry on with his studies,” he said.