NIA raids 7 locations in J&K in connection with Reasi terror attack investigation

PTC News Desk: On Friday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at seven locations across Jammu and Kashmir as part of its ongoing investigation into the June 9 terror attack in Reasi, which claimed the lives of nine people and injured 41 others. The attack targeted a bus carrying pilgrims en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, after terrorists opened fire, according to officials.

The NIA took over the investigation on June 17, following a directive from the Union Home Ministry. The bus, which was travelling from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra, came under fire, causing it to swerve off the road and plunge into a deep gorge near Teryath village in Reasi's Pouni area. Among the victims were a two-year-old boy from Rajasthan and a 14-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, adding to the tragedy of the attack.

Arrests and Search Operations

To date, one individual, identified as Hakam Khan from Rajouri, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the attack. Khan is accused of providing food, shelter, and logistical support to the terrorists, as well as aiding them in conducting reconnaissance of the area prior to the attack.

In light of the investigation, NIA teams have been conducting raids since early Friday morning in multiple locations across the Rajouri and Reasi districts. These searches are part of the broader effort to uncover more details about the terror plot and bring those responsible to justice. The raids are still ongoing, and further updates are expected.

Lashkar-e-Taiba's Involvement Suspected

The investigation has revealed links to Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). In July, the NIA questioned Hakam Khan, also known as Hakin Din, whose interrogation pointed to the involvement of handlers from the banned LeT. According to officials, at least three terrorists are believed to have participated in the attack on the bus.

Khan's interrogation uncovered that he had provided shelter, food, and other logistical support to the terrorists on multiple occasions, including helping them scout the area before the attack. The terrorists reportedly stayed at Khan’s home at least three times since June 1.

Based on the information provided by Khan, the NIA had previously conducted searches on June 30 at five locations linked to hybrid terrorists and overground operatives. Khan’s statements also implicated two Pakistan-based LeT commanders, Saifullah (alias Sajid Jutt) and Abu Qatal (alias Qatal Sindhi), who are suspected of acting as handlers for the attackers.

As the investigation progresses, the NIA continues to intensify its efforts to apprehend all those responsible and shed further light on the terror network behind the Reasi attack.

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