Reasi Terror Attack: Interrogation Of Accused Points Towards Pakistan-Based LeT Handlers, Says NIA

At least nine people were killed after terrorists opened fire at a 53-seater bus, which was on its way from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.

At least nine people were killed after terrorists opened fire at a 53-seater bus, which was on its way from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.

Source : PTI

Reasi Terror Attack: The interrogation of an arrested accused in the attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi last month has pointed towards the role of Pakistan-based handlers of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, news agency PTI reported on Tuesday, citing officials.

At least nine people lost their lives and 41 others sustained injuries on June 9 after terrorists opened fire at a 53-seater bus, which was on its way from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a deep gorge in Reasi.

The interrogation of the accused was carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). According to NIA officials, at least three terrorists could have been involved in the attack on the bus, PTI reported. The interrogation of Hakam Khan, alias Hakin Din, has revealed that he provided shelter, logistics, and food to the terrorists, they said.

Khan also helped terrorists carry out a recce of the area and even accompanied them, the officials said. They further stated that the terrorists involved in the attack have stayed with Khan on at least three occasions since June 1.

Based on details provided by Khan, the probe agency carried out searches at five locations linked with hybrid terrorists and their overground workers on June 30, as reported by PTI.

Khan's interrogation has also pointed towards the role of two Pakistan-based LeT commanders, Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt and Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi. According to officials, the two commanders might have acted as the attackers' handlers, as reported by PTI. This aspect is being further verified, as the official further stated.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation into the case on June 15, following orders from the Union Home Ministry.