Srinagar, Feb 6: Alleged members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) attacked a hospital here in the state capital in a bid to free a Pakistani prisoner. The attackers succeeded in creating a melee which allowed Abu Hanzula, an apprehended LeT militant, to escape. Two policemen were killed in the gunfight between the militants and the security forces.

According to reports, a total of six prisoners were brought to the the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital from the Central Prison on Tuesday morning for checkup. The attackers reportedly snatched a carbine rifle from one of the policeman stationed outside the hospital, and resorted to firing.

Srinagar's SSP Imtiaz Ismail Parray confirmed the escape of Hanzula. On being asked by reporters about his identity, Parray said he is "probably an outsider".

The deceased cops were identified as head constable Mushtaq Ahmad and constable Babar.

The Kaka Sarai area, where the SMHS hospital is located, has been cordoned off. A search operation has been launched to nab the LeT attackers, along with Hanzula.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2018 12:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).