MHA arms over Pahalgam terror assault probe to NIA

The federal anti-terror probe company stated in a press release that “it has begun the method of formally taking up the Pahalgam terror assault case, wherein 26 harmless vacationers have been mercilessly shot lifeless on Tuesday, following orders from the Ministry of Dwelling Affairs.”

The company groups have been tenting on the terror assault web site within the Baisaran meadow, positioned 5 km from Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam city, since Wednesday and have intensified the seek for proof, it stated.

Sharing the specifics of investigation being carried out until now, the company stated, “The groups, overseen by an IG (inspector normal), a DIG (deputy inspector normal of police) and an SP (superintendent of police) from the anti-terror company, are analyzing the eyewitnesses who had seen the horrifying assault unfold earlier than their eyes on the peaceable and picturesque Baisaran valley. The eyewitnesses are being questioned in minute element to piece collectively the sequence of occasions that led to one of many worst terror assaults in Kashmir”.

“The entry and exit factors are being carefully scrutinised by the investigating NIA groups for clues to the modus operandi of the terrorists. The groups, aided by forensic and different specialists, are checking the complete space completely for proof to show the fear conspiracy that led to the horrendous assault that has shocked the nation,” NIA assertion added.

The NIA has already been recording the statements of the survivors of the Pahalgam assault for previous couple of days other than interrogating dozens of overground staff (OGWs) and arrested terrorists belonging to LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and different outfits who’re presently lodged in prisons.

In the meantime, on floor forces comprising Military, the Central Reserve Police Drive (CRPF) and J&Okay police are trying to find the attackers.

As first reported by HT on April 24, Indian intelligence businesses have already traced Pahalgam assault’s digital footprints to some safehouses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, establishing a transparent Pakistan hand and suggesting {that a} 26/11 Mumbai attacks-type control-room run operation could have been replicated.

Forensic evaluation and statements by survivors have revealed that 4 to 5 terrorists have been concerned within the killings. They have been well-equipped with automated weapons, together with AK rifles, refined communication units, and a few have been even wearing military-style fatigues.

“Our intelligence intercepts recommend direct hyperlink with operatives primarily based in Pakistan. Now we have traced digital footprint to some safehouses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, which have been the important thing hubs for Lashkar-e-Taiba’s earlier main assaults in India which might be supervised by Pakistan military and the ISI from management centres,” an officer instructed HT on April 23.

There had been inputs that Pakistan military and ISI have been actively facilitating infiltration of extremely expert terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad from the Line of Management (LoC) and the Intelligence Border (IB) into India since January this 12 months.

The NIA had, in February and final month, carried out in depth searches at a number of places in Jammu and Kashmir to trace down infiltrated terrorists and overground staff aiding them.

It’s suspected that after getting into India and being supplied with meals, shelter, and cash, these terrorists have been guided by native overground staff to numerous places.

The NIA itself issued a press release in March that “terrorists have been believed to have made their method to the hinterland districts of Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, and in addition to the Kashmir Valley.”

The J&Okay police on Friday launched sketches of three terrorists, together with two Pakistanis — Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai and Hashim Musa alias Suleiman — and native operative Adil Hussain Thoker, and introduced a ₹20 lakh bounty on every of them.

HT had earlier reported that Musa is concerned in not less than three earlier assaults in J&Okay, together with the Might 2024 ambush on an Indian Air Drive (IAF) convoy in Poonch.

Intelligence businesses have additionally recognized 14 terrorists — eight belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and three every from Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) — presently “energetic” within the Kashmir Valley.

Quickly after the assault, the case was registered at Pahalgam police station beneath Sections 103, 109, 61 of the BNS and part 7/27 of the Arms Act and sections 16 18 and 20 of the UAPA and extra SP designated as investigating officer. Police claimed to have arrested 175 individuals in Anantnag district and in addition launched sketches of three terrorists (two foreigners and one native) believed to be concerned on this grotesque assault.

Because the assault, search operations are underway throughout south Kashmir particularly within the forests utilized by terrorists to flee after killing vacationers.