Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 31: The Designated Special NIA Court, Jammu, granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a 45-day extension to complete its investigation into the Pahalgam terror killings, citing that the probe is at a “crucial and sensitive stage” with key forensic and electronic reports still awaited.
The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge (Special Judge under NIA Act) Sandeep Gandotra in an application moved by Public Prosecutor Chandan Kumar Singh on behalf of the NIA, seeking an extension of judicial remand for the accused Bashir Ahmad Jothatd, son of Lal Din Jothatd, resident of Baisaran, and Parvaiz Ahmad, son of Ghulam Hassan Jother, resident of Batkote, both hailing from Anantnag district.
The accused are currently lodged in District Jail Amphalla, Jammu, and were arrested on June 22, 2025, in connection with the selective killings of tourists of a particular community at Baisaran Meadow, Pahalgam, on April 22, 2025. The case was initially registered at Police Station Pahalgam and later re-registered by the NIA as RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU following the Ministry of Home Affairs order dated April 26, 2025.
The NIA informed the court that the investigation has made substantial progress but cannot be concluded within the initial 135-day period due to pending CFSL and NFSU reports, including DNA matching, ballistic linkage, IED composition evaluation, and analysis of encrypted digital data retrieved from devices of slain terrorists killed in the Dachigam encounter. The agency said confrontation of the accused with forensic findings is essential before filing the charge sheet.
Opposing the plea, Defence Counsel Ashwani Kumar, appearing for the accused through virtual mode, argued that the NIA had already been given sufficient time but had failed to produce concrete evidence linking the accused to the case.
After hearing both sides, the court observed that the investigation was being conducted “in a proper manner” and that the complex nature of the case and the sensitivity of pending evidence justified an extension under Section 43-D(2)(b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
“The application for extension of investigation beyond 135 days is well-merited and deserves acceptance as the probe is at a crucial stage,” the court said, allowing the NIA 45 additional days to complete its investigation.
The case pertains to the targeted killing of tourists in Pahalgam, an act that drew widespread condemnation across Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA has already recovered several electronic devices, photographs, and identity documents linked to the accused during forensic analysis of data retrieved from the slain terrorists’ phones.
The court directed the Chief Investigating Officer (CIO) to expedite the investigation and submit the final report “as soon as possible.”. (JNF) |
