Pahalgam terror attack: NIA inspects entry, exit points for clues on modus operandi

As National Investigation Agency takes over the Pahalgam attack case, security agencies are verifying a lone movement of a 'Huawei satellite phone' in the same region and during the same time on the day of the attack near Pahalgam, ET has learnt. Huawei is a Chinese company and its products are banned in India. It is suspected that Huawei satellite phones have been smuggled into India from either Pakistan or another foreign country, observed officials on condition of anonymity.

The lead is being pursued by multiple agencies after Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-backed The Resistance Force (TRF) on Saturday distanced itself from claims made on social media. Investigators have so far ruled out the role of four militants whose photos were widely circulated on social media after the incident on Tuesday.

Besides technical intelligence and help from Western agencies to track this satellite phone, security officials said overground workers in Jammu and Kashmir and eyewitnesses are being examined. Several witnesses have told officials that there were more than five attackers who carried out the dastardly terror attack killing 25 Indians and a Nepalese citizen, explained another official.


Earlier, J&K Police had released sketches of three suspects and declared a reward of ₹20 lakh each.

NIA in a press statement on Sunday said entry and exit points were being closely scrutinised for clues on the modus operandi of the terrorists. The NIA teams, aided by forensic and other experts, are checking the entire area thoroughly for evidence to expose the terror conspiracy.

"Following orders from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, NIA has begun the process of formally taking over the Pahalgam terror attack case, in which 26 innocent tourists were mercilessly shot dead on Tuesday. NIA teams...have intensified the search for evidence," the agency said.

The eyewitnesses were being examined to piece together the sequence of events that led to one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir. The teams, overseen by an IG, a DIG and an SP from the anti-terror agency, are examining the eyewitnesses who had seen the attack unfold before their eyes at the peaceful and picturesque Baisaran valley, as per NIA.