New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, as confirmed by the officials on Sunday following the orders from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police were investigating the fatal assault, which claimed the lives of 26 people at the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam in Kashmir on April 22.
The NIA took over the case five days after the firings happened in Pahalgam, and four days after its team visited the valley. The NIA team is being led by Deputy Inspector General-rank officer and overseen by Inspector General of Police, and a Superintendent of Police from the anti-terror agency.
The team is currently questioning the eyewitnesses of the terror attacks with minute details are being sought. The entry and exit points are getting scrutinised closely by the investigating teams to gather more clues to understand the mode of operating of the terrorists.
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The NIA teams is tasked to carry out thorough assessment of the attacked site, gather forensic evidence with the assistance of experts, and identify those responsible or involved in the terrorist assault. The search for evidence has been intensified.
The terrorists on Tuesday (April 22) opened fire in Baisaran, which is a popular spot in the upper reached of Pahalgam in Anantnag district. A total of 26 people lost their lives in one of the most brutal attacks on civilians witnessed in the valley in close to two decades. Many of the deceased people had went to Kashmir for a holiday period along with their families.
The security forces have already started demolishing houses of terrorists in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory in the intensified measures to control terrorism activities in the region. Nine houses have been razed so far in the districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Kupwara.
