Pahalgam terror attack: NIA arrests two for providing shelter, food to attackers
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two men for allegedly harbouring the three Pakistani terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and providing them with food and logistical support, NIA officials said on Sunday. The two men arrested were identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Pahalgam's Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Pahalgam's Hill Park (Waseem Andrabi /Hindustan Times)
Indian security forces are pursuing two theories about the whereabouts of the three terrorists who killed 26 tourists in Kashmir, with officials divided over whether the attackers have fled to Pakistan after an encounter in the Kishtwar area on May 22, or are hiding in the Tral area and not using any electronic communication.
The two men arrested were identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Pahalgam's Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Pahalgam's Hill Park. This is the first arrest by the anti-terror probe agency, coming exactly two months after the attack, which escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.
'In a major breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack case, the NIA has arrested two men for harbouring the terrorists who had carried out the horrendous attack that killed 26 innocent tourists and grievously injured 16 others,' a statement issued by the agency said.
The duo has reportedly disclosed the identities of the three attackers and said that the three Pakistani nationals are affiliated with the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the agency said.
The NIA statement on Sunday said that the authorities have identified the suspected attackers as Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman, and Ali Bhai, also called Talha Bhai — both Pakistani nationals — and local operative Adil Hussain Thokker. The government has offered rewards of ₹ 20 lakh for each suspect as the manhunt is underway.
The NIA probe has revealed that Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the attack. 'The two men had provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on the fateful afternoon, selectively killed the tourists on the basis of their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever,' said the agency.
They have been arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The NIA had questioned hundreds of people over two months, including suspected collaborators, pony operators, vendors, and tourism workers. Investigators have also examined videos and photographs taken by families at Baisaran that day.
Also Read: Pahalgam probe: In hunt for gunmen, 2 possibilities on radar
The Resistance Front, a proxy group for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba organisation, claimed responsibility for the attack. Indian agencies say the group is a front used by Pakistan to avoid international sanctions.
As first reported by HT on April 24, intelligence agencies traced the attack's digital communications to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, establishing Pakistani involvement in what officials described as similar to the control room-operated 2008 Mumbai attacks.
India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, bombing nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 militants. The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles, and artillery. On the intervening night of May 9 and 10, the Indian Air Force struck targets at 13 Pakistani airbases and military installations before hostilities ended on May 10.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Delhi raises a toast to Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg
Ambassador of Luxembourg Peggy Frantzen with chief guest Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), MEA A gathering of diplomats and friends of the Embassy of Luxembourg came together at The Imperial, New Delhi, to celebrate the National Day of Luxembourg. The evening was filled with stimulating conversations and camaraderie over fine food and drinks. Celebrated to mark the official birthday of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the National Day reception began on a ceremonial note with the playing of the national anthems of both nations. Relationship of steel In her welcome address, Ambassador Peggy Frantzen said, "The National Day celebrations of 2025 are special, as it is the last one under the current head of state, Grand Duke Henri. This year also marks the completion of his 25 years of reign." Adding, she said, "I hope more people get to know about the friendly and amicable long-time relationship between India and Luxembourg. Cultural ties are evolving, with many artists travelling to showcase their talents, thereby strengthening people-to-people links. Our cooperation in the steel sector started over a 100 years ago and remains an important link and strong base of the India-Luxembourg relationship." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Ambassador of European Union Hervé Delphin and Ambassador of Ireland Kevin Kelly Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, who was the chief guest, said, "We send our warmest greetings to His Royal Highness and the people of Luxembourg. From the steel sector, which has been a core strength for a long time, our relationship with Luxembourg has expanded in investment and manufacturing in the fields of IT, fintech, and space. Culturally, with a large population of Indians in Luxembourg, many Indian festivals are celebrated there enthusiastically. " German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi Both the Ambassador and the chief guest remembered the late modernist artist Amarnath Sehgal, who played a pivotal role in cementing the artistic linkages and "promoting cultural understanding" between the two countries. VN Dalmia with the Ambassador of Japan ONO Keiichi As guests mingled, conversations ranged from art and culture to outer space, with many talking about the traditional savoury pie, Rieslingspaschtéit, that was served to the guests. Traditional rieslingspaschtéit and one of Amarnath Sehgal's sculptors On a lighter note, the Ambassador said that she is thankful that this summer in Delhi was a bearable one. "Compared to last summer, it was better this year. I am glad I can go out more and enjoy my walks in Lodhi Garden." Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk and Ambassador of Estonia Marje Luup
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Karnataka rehabilitation centres booked for wrongful confinement & poor conditions
Bengaluru: Following a surprise raid by State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres in north Bengaluru, Madanayakanahalli police have registered multiple FIRs based on serious allegations of wrongful confinement and poor treatment of inmates, including minors. The SHRC's action came in response to a tip-off from a regional news channel that exposed deplorable conditions in several rehab facilities. On June 18, SHRC teams raided five rehabilitation centres across Dasanapura and Adakamaranahalli. While one facility was found compliant and another was shut, three centres — Mother Ammu Foundation, Belaku Social Service Society, and Unity Social Service Society — were found operating in violation of basic human rights and regulatory norms. Acting on complaints received from inmates, the police have registered three FIRs and four non-cognisable reports (NCRs) against these centres. Among the complaints are those from two minors — a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old — both of whom were allegedly confined without due process. A case under Section 127 of BNS, pertaining to wrongful confinement, has been registered against Unity Social Service Society, following a complaint by Krishnegowda (50), a resident of Sanjay Nagar. He alleged he was forcibly confined in the centre by his wife and relatives due to an ongoing property dispute. Krishnegowda, a marketing executive in the solar water heater industry, claimed his family members falsely labelled him an addict to gain control over a property in Laggere. According to his complaint, he was confined at the centre in Dec 2023 and was held there until SHRC's raid. He further alleged he was previously confined in another centre in 2011 under similar circumstances, and his family had sold his vehicles and gold ornaments without his consent. In two separate cases involving minors, the police have booked the centres and parents under BNS Section 127 and relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. One of the minors, a 17-year-old from Nagashettyhalli, stated in his complaint that he had discontinued studies after Class 10 and was admitted to Unity Social Service Society on June 6 by his single mother due to substance abuse issues. While the boy said he was treated decently and not assaulted, he maintained he was confined against his will. The second case involves a 16-year-old boy from Banashankari, who had reportedly run away from home in April after his parents discussed enrolling him in a rehab centre. He was admitted to Unity in May after recovering from a road accident. He, too, alleged wrongful confinement. The SHRC has confirmed that its investigation wing is conducting a parallel inquiry and will soon submit a detailed report. The Commission has directed local police to ensure strict enforcement of norms at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, particularly those admitting individuals without court orders or proper medical assessments. Police officials said more cases may be filed depending on the findings of the SHRC and statements from additional victims.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nepali woman held at Bengaluru airport with forged Indian passport
Bengaluru: A 32-year-old Nepali woman, Mina Kumari Dhamena, was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after she attempted to board a flight to Abu Dhabi using a forged Indian passport. According to a complaint filed by immigration officer Vijeyanta Singha, Mina reported to the immigration wing at Terminal 2 around 11pm on June 19. She was scheduled to travel on IndiGo flight 6E1419. She presented passport number V8321978 at the counter. The officer on duty grew suspicious during routine questioning. Mina told officials she was visiting Abu Dhabi as a tourist. However, her responses and behaviour prompted the officer to escalate the matter to senior officials. Upon further questioning, she confessed to being a Nepalese, who had entered India in 2012 via a check post in Uttar Pradesh with her husband. The couple had initially stayed in Mathikere before moving to Subbaiahnapalya in east Bengaluru, where they currently reside. Investigators discovered Mina was in possession of multiple Indian identity documents, including a PAN card, a voter ID card, and the forged passport. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Diese Wärmepumpe stellt den Heizungsmarkt auf den Kopf thermondo Undo She reportedly told officials that a broker had helped her procure these documents. A senior immigration official confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Passport Act and sections 340 (forgery of documents or electronic records and using them as genuine) and 336 (forgery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Mina was taken into custody and further investigation is on to trace the broker and identify any possible network behind the illegal facilitation of Indian documents.
