NIA Grills Local Who Opened Shop Weeks Before But Was Missing On Day Of Pahalgam Attack: Report

News18

04-05-2025

Last Updated:
As part of its probe into the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator, the NIA has already questioned over 100 locals in Kashmir.
The National Investigation Agency is interrogating a local in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, who had opened his shop just 15 days before the terror attack and was missing on the day of the incident.
As part of its probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator, the NIA has already questioned over 100 locals in Kashmir.
According to The Indian Express, the central agency learnt about the local man who did not open his shop on the day of the attack during questioning of other suspects.
'Now, the officials of central agencies and NIA are questioning him and also examining his Internet Protocol Detail Record to get some clues," a source told The Indian Express.
Sources in the central agencies stated that an NIA team has compiled a list of all locals who were present at the scene during the attack and is currently interrogating them.
'Since the case is with the NIA, we are providing help to them and sending all the locals to them," the source said.
'They have so far questioned 100 locals, including pony operators, shopkeepers, photographers and those employed in adventure sports activities… Some of them are learnt to have told investigators that they were spared based on their accent or after the attackers ascertained their faith," the source added.
Earlier in the week, the NIA questioned a zipline operator seen chanting 'Allahu Akbar" in a viral video just before the terrorist attack unfolded in the scenic Baisaran meadow. After interrogation, the zipline operator was given a clean chit.
Investigators are also examining whether the same group was responsible for the killing of three Army personnel in South Kashmir's Kulgam district in August 2023.
The group is also suspected to have carried out an attack in Jammu's Poonch district in May last year, which resulted in the death of an Air Force personnel and injuries to four others.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
New Delhi also announced the shutting down of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, the suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals and the scaling down of top officials at the High Commission.
First Published: