NIA chief inspects Pahalgam terror attack site, reviews probe progress

National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Sadanand Date on Thursday visited Pahalgam as the agency continues its probe into last week’s deadly terror attack that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local ponywala.

Sources said the NIA chief visited the Baisaran meadow, the site of the massacre, and was briefed on the progress of the investigation. The agency has intensified its efforts to gather evidence and has questioned numerous eyewitnesses to uncover the terror conspiracy.

Following the April 22 attack, a high-level NIA team led by an Inspector General (IG) was dispatched to Pahalgam to assist the local police. The investigation is being closely monitored by senior officers, including a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and a Superintendent of Police.

According to officials, the National Investigation Agency teams—supported by forensic experts—are thoroughly scanning the Baisaran area for clues. Eyewitnesses have been questioned in detail to reconstruct the sequence of events surrounding the attack.

Separate NIA teams have also been deployed across the country to collect statements from survivors.

Among those questioned are ponywalas who were present at the site during the incident. A photographer believed to be a key witness has also been questioned.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police recently released the sketches and identities of three attackers believed to be involved in the assault. These include two Pakistani nationals—Ali Bahi alias Talha Bahi and Hashim Musa alias Suleman—and a local militant, Adil Hussain Thokar from Anantnag district, all affiliated with LeT.

Sources said the attackers are suspected to be hiding in dense forests connected to the Kishtwar region of Jammu division. “Operations are underway even from the Jammu side. It’s been nine days since the attack, and they may have moved into the Kishtwar area. We are confident they will be neutralised soon,” an officer said.

More than 2,000 individuals have been detained across the Valley for questioning in connection with the incident. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have also announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh each for information leading to the neutralisation of the terrorists.

J & K