NIA Takes Over Probe into Pahalgam Terror Attack That Killed 26 Tourists

Suspense Crime, Digital Desk : The NIA or National Investigation Agency is now responsible for the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 tourists on April 22. Following directives from the Home Affairs Ministry, the NIA opened a new FIR on Saturday, alleging that the Pakistan-based group, Lashkar-e-Taiba’s affiliate, The Resistance Front (TRF) was behind the attack.  

Preliminary Extensions of Research    

The NIA’s work commenced on April 23, the day after the attack, alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP). Officials stated that the nature of the incident warranted NIA’s involvement as it is marked as one of the deadliest attacks in India on civilians in the past 20 years.  

Description of the Attack at Pahalgam  

The attack took place in Baisaran, close to the well-known tourist center Pahalgam, and resulted in the deaths of 26 people which included a Nepali national, while numerous others sustained injuries. Investigators wasted no time in pointing fingers towards TRF, a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba, thus escalating concerns for enduring cross border terrorism.

The NIA has Primary Goals of Focus  

The NIA's major task will be to gather the forensic evidence, identify the attackers, and expose the supporting cell of the attack. Simultaneous operations in Jammu as well as Kashmir aim the dismantling of terror infrastructure.

Domestic Aid to International Terrorists  

Intelligence informs of a 14-member group of local terrorists between 20 and 40 years of age which collaborated with foreign terrorists, among them Pakistanis. Affiliations include groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed.  

Key Suspects Identified  

Some of the captured people are Adil Rehman Dentoo, Sopore district commander of LeT, and Asif Ahmed Sheikh, JeM’s district commander in Awantipora. Pakistan-sponsored terror groups operating in South Kashmir have been linked by authorities to a number of other persons.  

Ongoing Security Measures  

Authorities have released sketches of five main suspects, offering Rs 20 lakh for useful information. At the same time, security forces intensified counter terrorism operations dismantling nine suspected terrorists’ houses within three days.  

Major Raids and Crackdowns  

Hundreds of places in Srinagar have been opened and over 60 in the capital. A large arsenal of weapons, important papers and computers were captured to aid ongoing investigations and prevent prospective terror activities.  

Diplomatic Fallout  

The Pahalgam attack has heightened the hostility between India and Pakistan. The Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated diplomatic and security strategies to pin down Pakistan for its state-sponsored terrorism.

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