The recently accessed chargesheet sheds light on the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred last year, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists and the injury of numerous others. This coordinated assault was allegedly executed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Victims were reportedly visiting Pahalgam as tourists when they became targets of this violent act.

Initial responses from TRF suggested they claimed responsibility shortly after the incident but later withdrew their assertion, describing it as a “false narrative.” The Jammu and Kashmir Police initially oversaw the investigation, which included identifying three attackers: Faisal Jatt alias Suleman, Habeeb Tahir alias Chottu, and Hamza Afghani. An additional name, Sajid Jatt alias Ali Bhai, surfaced as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

Investigators swiftly responded to the scene, gathering statements from victims’ families and eyewitnesses. Medical aid was immediately provided to the wounded, and forensic teams began collecting evidence.

NIA Takes Over Investigation and Conducts Extensive Search

After a week, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the case, meticulously reviewing all available evidence, including postmortem reports and medical records of the injured. They also engaged the local police to reconstruct the attack timeline.

A significant site visit was made to Baisaran Park, where vehicles could only reach the tourist huts, obliging further travel through difficult terrain due to recent rainfall. Investigators discovered signs of recent human activity including tyre marks and footprints. The examination revealed that the park’s structure provided a clear line of sight, making it a suitable location for an ambush.

Due to the lack of surveillance, comprehensive grid searches were conducted involving multiple agencies. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) assisted with 3D mapping to compile details of the area, while extensive interviews were conducted with locals and tourists alike to extract potential leads.

Witness Testimonies Identify Suspects

Testimonies from witnesses led investigators to a hut associated with the attackers. One witness reported seeing Bashir Ahmad Jothat with armed men a day prior to the attack. This testimony prompted further investigations into the hut’s occupants.

During questioning, Bashir Ahmad and his relative Parvaiz Ahmad disclosed details about the day before the assault. They described a visit from armed men who sought shelter at their dwelling, repeatedly discussing jihad and Kashmir’s autonomy. This information resulted in their arrest on June 22 following corroboration from fellow villagers.

Upon interrogation, Parvaiz relayed that the gunmen had posed questions about local security arrangements and had even offered a monetary reward for their complicity in the attack. Despite this information, officials indicated that both individuals were likely withholding further details as the investigation progressed.

Comprehensive Evidence Links Attack to Organised Terror Network

As the investigation unfolded, it was determined that the three attackers had conducted reconnaissance before executing the terrors within Baisaran Park. The chargesheet described how the assailants sought to isolate their targets through strategic positioning.

Witness accounts detailed how victims were queried about their religious affiliations, with non-Muslims reportedly being targeted for execution. The attackers were noted to have shouted messages aimed at governmental figures during their assault. This chilling approach illustrated a calculated and premeditated attack plan.

Following the assault, digital footprints traced by investigators directed attention towards Pakistan, revealing potential links to a broader network. This included monitoring content that incited violence and militant ideologies across various platforms, implicating external interference in the incident.

As the NIA continued its work, a clearer picture emerged linking various previous acts of terrorism to the group behind the Pahalgam attack. Further forensic analysis confirmed that the same firearm used in the assault was also employed in prior incidents, suggesting a persistent, organised module orchestrating these attacks from abroad.

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