New Delhi , 27 September , 2024 –The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at seven locations across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, intensifying its investigation into the June 9 Reasi terror attack that left nine people dead and 41 injured. The attack occurred when terrorists opened fire on a bus en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, according to officials.
The NIA took over the case on June 17, following directives from the Union Home Ministry.
The bus, which was traveling from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra, veered off the road after being struck by gunfire, plunging into a gorge near Teryath village in the Pouni area of Reasi.
Among the victims of the attack were a two-year-old boy from Rajasthan and a 14-year-old from Uttar Pradesh.
To date, one suspect, Hakam Khan from Rajouri, has been arrested for allegedly providing logistical support, including food and shelter, to the terrorists, and assisting them in scouting the area before the attack.
Officials stated that multiple NIA teams have been conducting searches in the Rajouri and Reasi districts since early Friday morning as part of the probe into the Shiv Khori terror attack. The searches are ongoing, with further updates expected.
In July, during the NIA’s interrogation of a suspect arrested in connection with the June attack on the pilgrim bus in Reasi, evidence pointed to the involvement of handlers based in Pakistan, specifically from the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), according to reports. NIA officials believe that at least three terrorists were involved in the attack.
The questioning of Hakam Khan, also known as Hakin Din, revealed that he provided logistical assistance to the terrorists, including shelter, food, and support for reconnaissance efforts. Khan reportedly accompanied the attackers during their area surveillance and hosted them on three separate occasions since June 1.
Following Khan’s interrogation, the NIA conducted searches on June 30 at five locations linked to suspected hybrid terrorists and their overground operatives. Khan’s statements also pointed to the involvement of two Pakistan-based LeT commanders, Saifullah (alias Sajid Jutt) and Abu Qatal (alias Qatal Sindhi), who are believed to have acted as handlers for the attackers.
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