The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally requested the assistance of Chinese authorities to trace a GoPro Hero 12 Black camera connected to the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, 2025. The incident resulted in the death of 26 tourists, making it one of the deadliest attacks in recent years. The camera is believed to provide significant insights into the reconnaissance and operational strategies employed by the terrorists involved in the attack.

Details of the Camera’s Origins

Investigators have determined that the camera, which bears the serial number C3501325471706, was supplied to AE Group International Limited, a company based in China, more than a year before the attack. The device was activated on January 30, 2024, in Dongguan, a city in China known for its industrial output. This camera is among various electronic devices that have been scrutinized as part of the investigation into the incident.

Overview of the Attack

The attack took place around 2 PM on April 22, 2025, in Baisaran, a picturesque meadow located approximately five kilometers from Pahalgam town in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Armed terrorists opened fire on the tourists, resulting in casualties that included individuals from both India and abroad, including a Nepali citizen.

Issuance of Letter Rogatory

To obtain further details regarding the camera’s purchaser, end-user, and related records, the NIA plans to issue a Letter Rogatory (LR) to the appropriate judicial authority in China. This formal request will be facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry of Home Affairs has already approved this action. The need for the LR arises from the fact that the case is rooted in evidential activities that occurred within China’s jurisdiction.

Judicial Approval Granted

A special court in Jammu provided its approval on March 2 for the NIA to pursue judicial assistance from China. This came after the NIA filed a motion in the Jammu court, outlining the necessity of the LR for tracking the GoPro camera’s historical use and ownership related to the attack. The NIA emphasized the importance of the device in establishing pre-attack reconnaissance activities associated with the terrorist module.

Manufacturer’s Response

The NIA has communicated with GoPro B.V., the manufacturer of the camera, as part of its inquiry. According to the company’s response, the camera was indeed supplied to AE Group International Limited, while they noted that they lack specific transactional details or records identifying the end-user in this case. This lack of information underscores the complexity of tracing the camera’s history.

Legal Framework for Assistance

Given that India and China do not have a mutual legal assistance treaty governing such matters, the NIA is invoking the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime to seek help from Chinese authorities. Both nations are signatories to this convention, which facilitates cooperation in criminal investigations across borders.

Significance of the Camera

The GoPro Hero 12 Black camera plays a crucial role in establishing a chain of evidence related to the attack. The judiciary’s approval for the NIA to engage with Chinese authorities is pivotal for uncovering the broader aspects of the conspiracy behind the Pahalgam terror incident. The NIA had taken over the investigation from local police shortly after the attack, which was attributed to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba’s affiliate, the Resistance Front.

Context of the Pahalgam Attack

This incident marks a significant escalation in violence in the region, described as one of the most serious assaults on civilians in nearly two decades. Terrorists attacked tourists descending from the mountains in the Baisaran valley, which is often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’ due to its scenic meadows and natural beauty.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share