Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 31: A Special NIA Court in Jammu has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a 45-day extension to complete its probe into the Pahalgam terror killings.
Additional Sessions Judge (Special Judge under NIA Act) Sandeep Gandotra passed the order after hearing an application filed by the Public Prosecutor Chandan Kumar Singh on behalf of the NIA, describing the investigation in the case as being at a “crucial and sensitive stage.”
Pertinently, the two accused in the case, Bashir Ahmad Jothatd of Baisaran and Parvaiz Ahmad of Batkote—both from Anantnag district—were arrested on June 22 and are currently lodged in District Jail Amphalla, Jammu.
They are accused of involvement in the targeted killings of tourists at Baisaran Meadow, Pahalgam, on April 22.
The case, initially registered at Police Station Pahalgam, was later re-registered by the NIA following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 26.
The NIA informed the court that the investigation has made substantial progress but awaits key reports from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU).
These include DNA profiling, ballistic linkage, IED composition analysis, and the decryption of digital data recovered from slain terrorists in the Dachigam encounter.
The agency maintained that the accused must be confronted with the forensic findings before filing the charge sheet.
Opposing the plea, Defence Counsel Ashwani Kumar argued that the NIA had already been given sufficient time but failed to establish any direct evidence against the accused.
After considering both sides, the court observed that the investigation is being carried out “in a proper and professional manner” and that the complexity and sensitivity of the evidence justified an extension under Section 43-D(2)(b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Accordingly, the court directed the Chief Investigating Officer to expedite the process and submit the final report “as soon as possible,” noting that the case involves a heinous act that shocked the entire Union Territory.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
