To decode the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local resident, Sadanand Date, the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), visited the attack site in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on Thursday. His nearly three-hour assessment marks a critical phase in the ongoing investigation into the incident that occurred on April 22.

The NIA officially took charge of the investigation last week, following directives from the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation (CTCR) division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy group, the Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for this heinous act.

Although the NIA assumed control of the case five days post-incident, its team had already visited the site a day after the attack to assist Jammu and Kashmir Police in initial inquiries. An official stated, “The NIA has now formally taken over the investigation from JK Police and is conducting its own inquiries.”

During his visit, DG Date and his team meticulously examined the attack site, gathering crucial forensic evidence aimed at identifying those responsible for this gruesome terrorist attack. The investigation is further bolstered by intelligence reports about the 15 local OGW’s who may have provided logistic help to the attackers.

Sources indicate that these terrorist associates have affiliations with terror outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The NIA teams, supported by forensic experts, are conducting thorough searches throughout the area to uncover evidence that may shed light on the conspiracy behind this brutal attack.