We'll give DNA samples, cell information to Pakistan: NIA chief Sharad Kumar

Leading the probe into the Pathankot terror attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to seek Pakistan's help in cracking the case after gathering evidence on the ground. We spoke to NIA Director General Sharad Kumar on the challenges that lie ahead. Excerpts:

What are the immediate steps you are taking in the case?

We have registered three cases -first is related to SP Salwinder Singh's abduction, second involves the killing of taxi driver Ikagar Singh and the third pertains to the attack at the air force station. We have 20 officers on the ground. I am also going there for three days.

Will you probe ISI's role and what help you expect from Pak?

We will be sending a Letter Rogatory (judicial request) to Pakistan soon on the basis of the DNA of terrorists' bodies, voice samples, call details, etc. It is too early to say whether ISI is involved. It will take some time for us to reach any conclusion on who planned it.

How is NIA planning to go about establishing the larger conspiracy?

It's going to be a mammoth investigation as so many agencies are involved. We are coordinating with IB, Punjab Police and everyone who was involved in the operation. Our teams have already checked border areas with the BSF and other agencies and we will have details of the whole conspiracy very soon.

Will SP Salwinder Singh be questioned?

Yes. We will verify his statement with circumstances and others in the case.

Is Jaish-e-Moham mad involved in the attack?

The initial pointers suggest that Jaish was behind the attack but it cannot be concluded till we complete the investigations. United Jihad Council has also claimed it carried out the attack. We need to first gather evidence to support any claims.

Was NIA immediately handed over the Pathankot terror probe unlike in the case of the Gurdaspur attack when the state government refused to hand over the case initially?

Yes. Our teams have been there since January 3. The state government has been very supportive.

Can you elaborate on the kind of arms, ammunition and other articles the terrorists were carrying for conducting such a long-drawn attack?

The probe has just begun and we need to check everything on the ground before giving any details.