The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, has so far claimed the lives of 26 people, with several others still being treated in hospitals. The investigation is uncovering shocking details. Sources indicate that the terrorists endured a grueling 20 to 22-hour trek through dense forests to reach Baisaran valley, where they launched a fatal assault against Hindus. Meanwhile, security forces are rapidly searching for the terrorists, and many individuals have been detained. Across the nation, citizens are demanding firm action against Pakistan.
The NIA Takes Over the Investigation
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is leading the investigation into this attack following orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Official proceedings have commenced.
Mobile Phones Taken, Identities Revealed
Deputy Editor Kamaljeet Sandhu from AajTak reports, based on sources, that during the attack, terrorists seized two mobile phones, belonging to a tourist and a local resident. Four terrorists were involved: three from Pakistan and a local, identified as Adil Thokar.
Use of Advanced Weaponry
Forensic analysis has confirmed that the terrorists used advanced AK-47 and M4 assault rifles during the attack, with cartridges recovered at the scene serving as crucial evidence.
A Significant Forensic Evidence: The Attack Video
A major development in the NIA's investigation is the revelation that during the attack, a local photographer captured a video while trying to save himself by climbing a tree. This video has become a vital piece of evidence, aiding investigators in reconstructing the attack’s timeline and identifying the attackers.
Source: aajtak
Indian Army Lieutenant Colonel: A Key Eyewitness
An Indian Army Lieutenant Colonel, who was vacationing with his family, has become a crucial eyewitness in this investigation. Stationed in Jammu & Kashmir, he has provided the agency with significant clues about the incident.
Reconstructing the Attack
According to eyewitnesses and video footage from the scene, two terrorists were hiding behind shops. They emerged suddenly and demanded that the gathered tourists recite the Kalma. Shortly thereafter, the terrorists shot four individuals directly in the head, resulting in immediate deaths.
The chaos caused panic among those present, with people fleeing to save their lives. In the aftermath, more terrorists emerged, hidden near the jeep line, executing indiscriminate firing aimed at heads and hearts.
First Police Call
The initial police call regarding the Pahalgam terror attack came around 2:30 PM, made by Himanshi Narwal, wife of Navy Officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal. She reported that her husband had been shot at close range.
The first on the scene were the Station House Officers of Pahalgam, by which time the terrorists had already fled.
Who is Local Terrorist Adil Thokar?
Adil Thokar, from Anantnag, initially joined the militant organization Hizbul Mujahideen. By 2018, after becoming deeply radicalized, he legally traveled to Pakistan, where he received training with Lashkar-e-Taiba. Returning to Kashmir Valley in 2024, he has since supported Pakistani terrorists.
Adil was born in 1992 in Gurri, Urnhall Bijbehara, and educated in Anantnag and Bijbehara. He also taught at a private school for two years.
In 2018, Adil claimed to be taking exams but instead crossed into Pakistan via the Atari border to join the militant ranks.
Announcements on Investigation and Rewards
The investigation agency is meticulously gathering every detail to reach the perpetrators. A reward of 2 million INR has been announced for crucial information that leads to capturing or neutralizing the terrorists.
