NIA Chargesheets 5 Including 3 Pakistan-Based LeT Handlers in Rajouri Attack Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against five individuals, including three fugitive handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit based in Pakistan, in connection with the Rajouri attacks of January 2023.
The case, designated as RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU, pertains to a brutal terrorist assault on civilians in village Dhangri on January 1, 2023, followed by an IED explosion the next day, resulting in the tragic loss of seven innocent lives, including two children, and leaving numerous others severely injured.
According to the NIA statement provided to the Press Trust of Kashmir, the three charged LeT handlers are identified as Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt alias Ali alias Habibullah alias Numan alias Langda alias Noumi, Mohd Qasim, and Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi. While Abu Qatal and Sajid Jutt are Pakistani nationals, Qasim had crossed over to Pakistan around 2002 and joined the LeT’s terrorist ranks there.
Investigations have revealed that the trio orchestrated the recruitment and dispatch of LeT terrorists from Pakistan with the aim of targeting innocent civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as security personnel. The attacks were carried out under the direct instructions of these Pakistan-based handlers.
Saifullah, currently a senior LeT commander, played a pivotal role in planning the conspiracy from Pakistan, alongside the other two. Mohd Qasim is described as a close associate of high-ranking LeT commanders. Abu Qatal, who arrived in India in 2002-03, was active in the Poonch-Rajouri region along with other terrorists.
Additionally, the chargesheet includes Nisar Ahmed alias Haji Nisar and Mushtaq Hussain alias Chacha, both identified as Overground workers (OGWs) of the LeT and residents of Mohra, Gursai, Tehsil Mendhar, District Poonch. These individuals were apprehended during the NIA’s investigation process.
It was uncovered that Nisar and Mushtaq provided logistical support to the terrorists at the behest of Abu Qatal and the other handlers. Alongside a juvenile accomplice, they facilitated the terrorists with food, shelter, and other essentials for approximately three months after the Dhangri attack. Furthermore, they attempted to destroy evidence by disposing of the mobile phone used for covert communication with the Pakistan-based LeT commanders.
Nisar was also implicated in receiving consignments of arms, ammunition, and cash from the Pakistan-based handlers for the terrorists. Investigations disclosed Nisar’s prior association with Abu Qatal during the latter’s time in India, maintaining contact even after Abu Qatal returned to Pakistan.
The two adult accused and the Pakistan-based handlers have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act) and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case against the apprehended juvenile will be forwarded to the Juvenile Justice Board Rajouri in due course for further action.
