In a significant move towards dismantling the terrorist network in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against five individuals, including three absconding Pakistan-based handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, in the Rajouri attacks case that occurred in January 2023.
The case (RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU) revolves around a brutal terror attack on civilians at village Dhangri, District Rajouri, on 1st January 2023, followed by an IED blast the next day. Seven innocent people, including two children, lost their lives, and several others suffered severe injuries in the attacks.
The chargesheeted individuals include three LeT handlers identified as Saifullah @ Sajid Jutt @ Ali @ Habibullah @ Numan @ Langda @ Noumi, Mohd Qasim, and Abu Qatal @ Qatal Sindhi. The trio orchestrated the recruitment and dispatch of LeT terrorists from Pakistan, specifically targeting civilians in Jammu & Kashmir and security personnel.
Saifullah @ Sajid Jutt, a highly placed LeT Commander, played a pivotal role in engineering the overall conspiracy from Pakistan. Mohd Qasim is the right hand of highly placed LeT Commanders, and Abu Qatal, a Pakistani national, was active in the Poonch-Rajouri range in India.
Two other charge-sheeted accused, Nisar Ahmed @ Haji Nisar and Mushtaq Hussain @ Chacha, are Overground workers (OGWs) of LeT. Residents of Mohra, Gursai, Tehsil Mendhar, District Poonch, they were arrested for providing logistical support to terrorists. Investigations revealed that Nisar received arms, ammunition, and cash sent by the Pakistan-based handlers. Additionally, a juvenile apprehended for aiding the perpetrators will face charges before the Hon’ble Juvenile Justice Board, Rajouri.
The chargesheet filed includes charges under UA(P) Act and various sections of IPC against the arrested adult accused and the Pak-based handlers.
