Pahalgam terror attack: NIA takes over probe, question eyewitnesses to ascertain terrorists’ modus operandi
TOPSHOT - Security personnel inspect the site in the aftermath of an attack as food stall chairs lie empty in Pahalgam, about 90kms (55 miles) from Srinagar on April 23, 2025. Indian security forces in Kashmir carried out a major manhunt on April 23, a day after gunmen opened fire on tourists killing 26 people in the region's deadliest attack on civilians since 2000. (Photo by TAUSEEF MUSTAFA / AFP)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack and have begun steps to ascertain terrorists’ modus operandi. The investigation teams have reached the incident site in Baisaran Valley and they are examining the entire premises for evidence.
In a statement, the agency said, “The NIA has begun the process of formally taking over the Pahalgam terror attack case, in which 26 innocent tourists were mercilessly shot dead on Tuesday, following orders from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. NIA teams, which have been camping at the terror attack site since Wednesday, have intensified the search for evidence.”
Teams led by senior officials from the Central terror investigation agency reached Jammu and Kashmir soon after the gruesome terror attack in which 26 persons were killed on April 22. The deceased include 24 tourists, a Nepali national and a Kashmiri horse rider. According to the agency, teams led by an IG, DIG and an SP from NIA are conducting the probe and examining eyewitnesses to ascertain the sequence of events that led to the terror attack. “The eyewitnesses are being questioned in minute detail to piece together the sequence of events that led to one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir,” it said.
The probe agency is trying to uncover how terrorists entered and exited from the spot and their modus operandi. Forensic experts are also assisting the investigators with the probe. “The teams, aided by forensic and other experts, are checking the entire area thoroughly for evidence to expose the terror conspiracy that led to the horrendous attack that has shocked the nation,” the agency said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Jammu and Kashmir soon after the terror attack and condemned the incident. He also chaired a high-level security meeting in Kashmir and vowed stern action against the terrorists.
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