A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) focused on the Pahalgam terror attack has issued a letter rogatory to relevant authorities in China. This request aims to gather information regarding the supply chain and end-user details of a GoPro Hero Black 12 camera that was confiscated during the investigation. The objective is to gather intelligence related to pre-attack reconnaissance, movement, and operational planning of the Pakistani terror group responsible for the strike, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 tourists, on April 22, 2025.

Details About the Seized Camera and Its Importance

According to sources, the camera was mounted on one of the three Pakistani terrorists to document the attack in real-time. However, it did not produce any footage when retrieved from the attackers who were tracked and neutralized in the Dachigam forest months after the incident as part of Operation Mahadev. Nonetheless, the GoPro Hero 12 Black remains a critical piece of evidence because analyzing its supply chain could help clarify the reconnaissance conducted prior to the attack, as well as the route taken by the assailants.

Manufacturer’s Response to the NIA’s Inquiry

The NIA had previously issued a lawful notice to GoPro B V, the manufacturer of the camera, requesting details regarding its supply chain and activation process. In response, GoPro B V indicated that the camera was supplied to AE Group International Limited, a distributor located in the People’s Republic of China. The activation of the device took place on January 30, 2024, in Dongguan, China. Furthermore, the manufacturer has stated that it lacks access to downstream transaction details or end-user information. Thus, the activation and initial commercial usage of the camera fall within the jurisdiction of China, necessitating judicial assistance from Chinese authorities to obtain details about the purchaser and associated technical records.

Legal Framework for Seeking Assistance

The NIA court noted that since India and China do not have a mutual legal assistance treaty, the request for support can be pursued under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), which both countries have ratified. The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the issuance of the letter rogatory to China to facilitate legal assistance in this ongoing investigation.

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