Zipline Operator Heard Saying 'Allahu Akbar' In Viral Pahalgam Tourist Video Summoned By NIA

The operator was heard chanting "Allahu Akbar" in the video, recorded by a tourist.

The zipline operator seen in a viral video of the Pahalgam terrorist attack has been summoned by the NIA and J&K Police for questioning.

Source : X

The zipline operator who was seen in the viral video filmed by a tourist during the Pahalgam terrorist attack has been summoned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for questioning.

As per the sources, everyone present at the spot after the attack was summoned for questioning by the probe agencies including the zipline operator who was heard chanting "Allahu Akbar" in the viral video, recorded by a Gujarati tourist Rishi Bhatt.

The anti-terror agency reached the site on Monday where the attack took place in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists were killed by the terrorist and recreated the crime scene. At present, the agency is collecting technical evidence based on video footage. 

Bhatt recounted the incident how the zipline operator said "Allahu Akbar" immediately after which firing began. He said that before he got on the zipline, his wife, son and four others had already crossed to safety. 

'Took 15-20 Seconds To Realise'

He further said before starting the ziplining, the operator did not say "Allahu Akbar" but claimed that when he was on the zipline, the operator shouted it three times, and shortly after, firing began.

He said that it took him about 15 to 20 seconds to realise the gravity of the situation and that actual firing has started. In the viral video, a man was seen falling down and Bhatt said it was then when he realised that something was seriously wrong.

As soon as Bhatt caught hold of the situation, he stopped his zipline rope, jumped down from a height of about 15 feet, and started running with his wife and son to safety. First he ran towards the forest and then to parking area before moving to Srinagar. 

He said that at that moment, his only thought was to save his and his family's lives. 

At least 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed after terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley on April 22. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility for the attack.