Police, NIA investigating Pahalgam terror attack

Srinagar, Apr 24: Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are working around the clock in south Kashmirís Pahalgam area to trace the terrorists involved in the killing of 26 tourists in Baisaran meadow on April Tuesday.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Anantnag has been formed after the registration of FIR No 25/2025 at Police Station Pahalgam.

ìWe have so far questioned more than 150 people, including some pony wallas, who were present in or around Baisaran that afternoon,î senior Police officials said. ìWe are collecting digital evidence and drone imagery is being secured for forensic analysis. No one is under arrest at his stage, but several persons are being examined.î

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi visited Pahalgam on Thursday morning, held a briefing with the SIT, and later trekked uphill to the attack site.

He took stock of ongoing anti-terror operations in the area.

ìThe terrain is rugged, but our joint teams of Army, CRPF, and J&K Police are carrying out combing operations,î another senior Police officer said, adding that the searches would continue ìtill we lay our hands on every last accomplice.î

At the same time, the NIA teams are assisting J&K Police in the investigations that will likely be handed over to the anti-terror agency for investigations at some stage.

ìNIA has lifted DNA swabs, blood‑soaked soil, and splinter fragments from the blast‑and‑bullet‑riddled Baisaran meadow,î Police officials said.

Under Section 6(5) of the NIA Act, once the Centre issues a notification citing inter‑state ramifications, the investigating officer of the local Police is required to hand over all case diaries, seized material, and custody of the accused to the NIA within 15 days.

Sources said that a draft notification could be published anytime for the transfer of case.