English
English
English
What did the NIA uncover in its massive 1,597-page chargesheet on the Pahalgam attack, why is a Pakistan-based handler named and how do encrypted messages and local aides fit into a far bigger terror plot?
NIA names 6 accused in Pahalgam terror attack chargesheet
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday filed a chargesheet against six accused including Pak handler in connection with the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
The chargesheet was submitted nearly seven months after the attack, marking a major step in the investigation into one of the deadliest civilian assaults in recent years.
In its 1,597-page chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court in Jammu, the agency has outlined what it described as a clear conspiracy involving Pakistan-based handlers.
NIA court extends Anmol Bishnoi’s custody by 7 days amid security concerns; Details inside
Banned terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF), have been named for their alleged role in planning, facilitating and executing the attack. The NIA termed the incident a case of “religion-based targeted killings,” highlighting the deliberate nature of the assault on unarmed civilians and tourists.
Four terrorists have been named in the chargesheet, including Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt. The other three- Faisal Jatt alias Suleman Shah, Habeeb Tahir alias Jibran, and Hamza Afghani were neutralised by Indian security forces during Operation Mahadev in July this year in the Dachigam area of Srinagar.
The agency said the chargesheet was filed within the statutory 180-day deadline, calculated from the first arrest made on June 22.
Two additional accused, Bashir Ahmad Jothar and Parvez Ahmad Jothar, were arrested for allegedly providing shelter and logistical support to the terrorists. According to the NIA, the duo disclosed the identities of the attackers and confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with LeT.
As part of the investigation, the NIA interrogated over 1,000 individuals and gathered extensive technical and forensic evidence. Officials recovered Aadhaar cards, photographs and social media details from the mobile phones of the slain terrorists.
NIA raids three states over suspected ammunition smuggling network; Details here…
The agency also decoded several end-to-end encrypted communications between the attackers and their Pakistan-based handler, which reportedly played a key role in planning the Pahalgam attack.
The accused have been charged under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Arms Act, 1959, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Sections related to waging war against India have also been invoked.
The Pahalgam attack sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, culminating in India launching Operation Sindoor on May 7. Indian forces carried out strikes on terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, triggering days of intense cross-border military exchanges before hostilities ceased on May 10.
