PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK: NIA takes over probe
National Investigation Agency
Intensifies search ops for evidence
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the Pahalgam terror attack case, intensifying its search operations for evidence and questioning eyewitnesses to unravel the terror conspiracy, officials said.
The officials said the anti-terror agency registered a case in Jammu on Sunday following orders from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and several teams are involved in the investigation.
After the dastardly terror attack on Tuesday afternoon that claimed 26 lives, a team of NIA officials led by its Inspector General (IG) was rushed to the site to assist the local police, the officials said.
They said NIA teams have been camping at the terror attack site since Wednesday, looking for clues.
“The entry and exit points are being closely scrutinised by the investigating NIA teams for clues to the modus operandi of the terrorists.
The teams, aided by forensic and other experts, are checking the entire area thoroughly for evidence to expose the terror conspiracy that led to the horrendous attack that has shocked the nation,” an NIA statement said.
The eyewitnesses are also being questioned in minute detail to piece together the sequence of events that led to one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir, it said.
The teams, overseen by an IG, a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and a Superintendent of Police (SP) from the anti-terror agency, are examining eyewitnesses who had seen the horrifying attack unfold before their eyes at the peaceful and picturesque Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, according to the statement issued by NIA.
In the targeted attack, a group of terrorists killed male tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking with their families including young children and parents at the meadow touted as ‘Mini Switzerland’ for its serene beauty.
Separate teams of NIA officials have been visiting across the country to seek details from survivors of the terrorist attack, said to be orchestrated by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the officials said.
