NIA launches searches in Jammu Kashmir over June terror attack

NIA launches searches in Jammu Kashmir over June terror attack (Photo : KO)

Ashiq Butt | September 27, 2024 | 03:39 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

NIA launches searches in Jammu Kashmir over June terror attack

NIA launches searches in Jammu Kashmir over June terror attack

Key Highlights:

1. NIA conducts searches in Rajouri and Reasi districts over the June terror attack.
2. Nine killed and 41 injured in the attack on pilgrims returning from Shiv Khori temple.
3. A local man arrested for aiding terrorists; investigations continue.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched multiple searches on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Reasi districts as part of its probe into a deadly terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in June, officials reported.

The attack, which occurred on June 9, targeted a bus transporting pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple. Terrorists opened fire, causing the bus to veer off the road and fall into a gorge near Teryath village in the Pouni area of Reasi district.

The brutal assault left nine people dead, including seven pilgrims from outside the region, and injured 41 others. Among the casualties were a two-year-old boy from Rajasthan and a 14-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh. The bus had been en route from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra when it was ambushed.

In response to the attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) handed over the investigation to the NIA on June 17. The NIA has since intensified its efforts, conducting searches at seven locations across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

Authorities have arrested one suspect, Hakam Khan of Rajouri, who allegedly provided food, shelter, and logistics to the terrorists. He also reportedly assisted them in surveying the area prior to the attack.

The NIA had previously conducted searches at five locations in Rajouri on June 30, targeting individuals linked to hybrid terrorists and overground workers. The current searches are ongoing, and further updates are expected.

Ashiq Butt

Ashiq Butt – is VoM News's senior staffer worked since year 2015 and he deals with correspondency and social media handles. Hailing from Doda's Marmat, Ashiq has strong grip over the collection of the data and it's compiling feature.