Pahalgam terror attack: NIA gets 10-day custody of two accused

Jammu: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu has extended the remand of two accused by ten more days in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead and several others injured.

NIA had sought an extension of remand for Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, who were arrested on June 22 for allegedly sheltering the Pakistani terrorists behind the attack.

The duo was earlier granted five days’ custody by a local court before the case was transferred to the special NIA court, which later granted an additional ten-day remand. With the initial remand period ending, the accused were produced again on Monday, and their custody was further extended to allow the agency to continue its investigation.

According to the NIA, the accused facilitated the movement of three Pakistani militants affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) by providing them shelter and logistical support at a seasonal hut in Hill Park, Pahalgam, ahead of the attack.

The agency claimed that the attackers selectively targeted tourists based on religious identity, making the incident one of the deadliest attacks in Kashmir’s tourism sector in recent times.

The NIA investigation is underway to uncover the broader network behind the attack. (KNO)