NIA Gets More Time To Complete Investigation Into Pahalgam Terror Attack

The probe into the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead, including 25 tourists, will continue for another month and a half after a Jammu court allowed the NIA an additional 45 days to complete its investigation, Indian Express reported.

Under the provisions of the UAPA, investigators are permitted to keep suspects in custody for up to 90 days, which may be extended to a total of 180 days with court approval.

The NIA had earlier secured an initial 45-day extension on 19 September.

On 30 October, Additional Sessions Judge Sandeep Gandotra, designated as a special judge under the NIA Act, approved the NIA’s request for more time, allowing it to wrap up its probe and file a chargesheet against local residents Bashir Ahmad Jothatd and Parvaiz Ahmed.

Arrested in June, the duo is accused of aiding the attackers with shelter, food, and logistical backing.

The extension followed the NIA’s submission that it had advanced significantly in gathering evidence but was still waiting for key forensic analyses, including DNA, ballistics, IED and digital data, related to three slain Pakistani terrorists eliminated in an encounter on 28 July.

According to the NIA counsel, the accused persons in their custody must be confronted with the forensic findings before the filing of the chargesheet.

The agency has identified the slain terrorists as Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives Suleman Shah, Hamza Afghani, and Jibran.

Defence lawyer Ashwani Kumar, however, opposed the NIA’s plea, contending that the agency had ample time but had not produced solid proof against the accused persons.

Judge Gandotra noted that the NIA’s investigation was being carried out “in a proper and professional manner” and that the complexity and sensitivity of the evidence justified an extension under the UAPA.

The court further instructed the NIA’s chief investigating officer to fast-track the probe and file the final report “as soon as possible” as the “heinous” attack “shocked the entire Union Territory.”

Earlier in August, the court had dismissed the agency’s plea to subject the accused to narco and polygraph tests, reaffirming that such involuntary procedures breach the constitutional protection against self-incrimination under Article 20(3).

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