New Delhi: In a major disclosure, it has come to light that the terrorists who executed the April 22 Pahalgam attack killing 26 people, were present in Baisaran Valley two days prior to the incident, NDTV reported, citing sources. The huge revelation came during the questioning of one of the arrested Over Ground Workers (OGWs) connected to the attack.
The report said that according to senior officials familiar with the ongoing investigation, the terrorists reached Pahalgam on April 15 and carried out a recce of at least four locations, including the scenic Baisaran Valley.
The other three potential targets — Aru Valley, the local amusement park, and Betaab Valley — were also under radar by the terrorists. Sources indicated that increased security measures in these areas prevented the terrorists from executing the attacks there.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the probe from Jammu and Kashmir police. The agency has identified around 20 OGWs who are believed to have backed the terrorists. A number of OGWs have been arrested, and many are under active surveillance.
‘Four OGWs played key role in helping terrorists’
Intelligence sources said that at least four OGWs played a key role in helping the terrorists with recce and logistical backing. Evidence has also emerged which show the use of three satellite phones in the region during the pre-attack period. Signals from two of these devices have been successfully traced.
Till now, the NIA and intelligence agencies have carried out interrogation of more than 2,500 persons in connection with the attack. Currently, 186 persons are in custody for further questioning.
After the April 22 attack, raids were conducted across Jammu and Kashmir. Houses associated with members and sympathisers of banned organisations, including various Hurriyat Conference factions and Jamaat-e-Islami, were searched across multiple locations. Investigators have detected communication links between members of these groups and the OGWs involved in the Pahalgam attack.
NIA carries out 3D mapping at Baisaran meadow
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reportedly went back to the Baisaran meadow on Wednesday to carry out three-dimensional (3D) mapping of the area where the terror attack occurred, on the basis of witness statements. The team was armed with the testimonies and accounts of the kin of the April 22 victims, the pony operators, vendors and other workers present there.
