Continuing its efforts to dismantle the terrorist network in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against five individuals, including three Pakistan-based handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in the Rajouri attacks case from January 2023.
“As per investigations, the trio had orchestrated the recruitment and dispatch of LeT terrorists from Pakistan to target innocent civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as security personnel. The attacks were carried out under the directions of these Pakistan-based handlers,” it reads.
According to the NIA statement, the case RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU involves a brutal terror attack on civilians in village Dhangri on January 1, 2023, followed by an IED blast the next day. The attacks resulted in the deaths of seven innocent people, including two children, and left several others severely injured.
The chargesheet identifies three LeT handlers as Saifullah @ Sajid Jutt @ Ali @ Habibullah @ Numan @ Langda @ Noumi, Mohd Qasim, and Abu Qatal @ Qatal Sindhi. While Abu Qatal and Sajit Jutt are Pakistani nationals, Qasim had crossed over to Pakistan around 2002 and joined the LeT terrorist group there.
The NIA statement further reveals that Saifullah, currently a senior LeT commander, orchestrated the overall conspiracy from Pakistan alongside the other two handlers. Mohd Qasim serves as a close aide to high-ranking LeT commanders. Abu Qatal, who arrived in Bharat in 2002-03, operated in the Poonch-Rajouri region alongside other terrorists.
The other two accused, Nisar Ahmed @ Haji Nisar and Mushtaq Hussain @ Chacha, identified as Overground workers (OGWs) of LeT, hail from Mohra, Gursai, Tehsil Mendhar, District Poonch. They were apprehended during the NIA’s investigation. It was discovered that they provided logistical support to the terrorists as directed by Abu Qatal. Along with a juvenile collaborator, they facilitated the terrorists with food, shelter, and other necessities for about three months post the Dhangri attack. They also attempted to destroy evidence by disposing of the mobile phone used for clandestine communication with the Pakistan-based LeT commanders.
Nisar received consignments of arms, ammunition, and cash from the Pakistan-based handlers for the terrorists. Investigations disclosed that Nisar had established contact with Abu Qatal during the latter’s stay in Bharat and maintained communication even after Abu Qatal’s return to Pakistan.
The two arrested adults and the Pakistani-based handlers are charged under the UA(P) Act and various sections of the IPC. A final report against the apprehended juvenile will be presented to the Juvenile Justice Board in Rajouri.
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