In a major development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the investigation into the devastating terror attack that occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the tragic loss of 26 lives.
Officials confirmed on Sunday that the agency is now leading the probe under direct orders from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The attack, which took place last Tuesday in the picturesque Baisaran valley, a well-known tourist destination situated in the upper reaches of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, has sent shockwaves throughout the nation.
According to initial reports, the victims of the attack were primarily holidaymakers from various states across India who had come to enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
The NIA has deployed multiple teams to the site of the attack, which are being supervised at the highest levels by an Inspector General of Police (IGP), a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), and a Superintendent of Police (SP).
These senior officers are coordinating an intensive investigation into the terror strike’s circumstances.
As part of their inquiry, the teams meticulously examine eyewitness accounts. Individuals who were present at the time of the attack are being questioned in great detail to reconstruct the precise sequence of events.
Investigators are paying special attention to minute aspects of the incident, seeking to understand how the assault was carried out and whether there were any lapses or gaps in security.
Simultaneously, the NIA teams are focusing heavily on the entry and exit points around the Baisaran valley area. These locations are under scrutiny to uncover any traces that might reveal the movement and modus operandi of the terrorists.
Experts in forensic science and technical investigation are supporting the NIA officers, combing the area thoroughly for any physical or electronic evidence that could expose the conspiracy behind the attack.
Sources said that NIA teams, who have been stationed at the terror site since Wednesday morning, have significantly intensified their search operations.
They are scouring the vicinity for items like spent cartridges, communication devices, footprints, or any forensic material that could assist in tracking down those responsible for orchestrating the carnage.
The fact that such a brutal act was carried out in a high-profile tourist area has heightened concerns about security arrangements in the region, prompting the Centre to move swiftly in handing over the probe to the country’s premier counter-terrorism agency.
This attack, one of the deadliest in Kashmir in recent years, has reignited national debates around counterterrorism efforts, internal security measures, and the challenges of safeguarding civilians in conflict-prone regions.
The nation continues to mourn the lives lost, even as security forces ramp up efforts to ensure justice is delivered swiftly and decisively.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials indicated that more developments are likely as NIA deepens its inquiry and pursues multiple leads in its effort to dismantle the network responsible for this heinous act.
