Pahalgam Terror Attack: Police release sketches of 2 Pakistanis, one local; 1,500 detained

Srinagar, Apr 24: Even as J&K police have released sketches of three terrorists, including two Pakistani nationals, allegedly involved in the Pahalgam terror attack, over 1,500 suspects have been detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation, top security officials said on Thursday.

In one of the deadliest terror attacks in J&K, 27 tourists and a local resident were shot dead on Tuesday at Baisaaran meadow in Pahalgam. The attack plunged the nation into mourning.

Police on Thursday released sketches of three attackers and identified them as Adil Hussain Thokar a resident from Anantnag and two Pakistanis Ali Bahi alias Talha Bahi and Hashim Musa alias Suleman.

Police announced a reward Rs 20 Lakh each for anyone sharing information or leads about the Pahalgam attack.

“The three are involved in the terrorist attack on civilians in Baisaran Pahalgam,” police said.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack on tourists.

Meanwhile, in a major crackdown around 1,500 suspects have been detained from several districts of the valley for questioning during the probe of the Pahalgam attack.

A top police officer said that those detained include suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) and those with prior records linked to militant activities.

The case is currently being handled by the J&K Police and it has already registered a case at police station Pahalgam. The National Investigation Agency is likely to take over the investigation of the case in the coming days.