NIA takes over Pahalgam terror attack case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has assumed control of the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including a Nepali national.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police had been handling the case initially, but the NIA took over following an order from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, as stated in a press release.

The NIA teams have been stationed at the attack site since Wednesday (April 23), one day after the incident, and have ramped up their search for evidence. Led by senior officials, including an Inspector General (IG), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and a Superintendent of Police (SP) from the anti-terror agency, the teams are interviewing eyewitnesses who witnessed the brutal attack in the scenic Baisaran valley.

The eyewitnesses are being meticulously questioned to help reconstruct the sequence of events leading to what is now regarded as one of the most tragic terror attacks in Kashmir. 

The investigation focuses on identifying the entry and exit points used by the terrorists and understanding the modus operandi behind the assault.

The teams, supported by forensic experts, are thoroughly combing the area for any clues to uncover the conspiracy that led to this horrific event. On April 22, a group of terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadows, a well-known tourist destination in Pahalgam. Among the 26 victims, 25 were Indian citizens, predominantly Hindu men, who were singled out based on their religion, while one was a Nepali national.