Katra bus attack: NIA charge sheets one accused

New Delhi, Dec 14: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday chargesheeted one accused in the case relating to the fatal terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori, Ransoo to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir.

In its chargesheet before the NIA Special Court, Jammu, the agency has charged arrested accused Hakam Khan @ Hakim Din under various sections of IPC AND UA(P) Act, the agency in a statement said.

The attack took place on 9th June 2024, when unknown terrorists had opened indiscriminate firing at the bus when it reached Kanda near Jhandi Morh. Eight pilgrims as well as the bus driver were killed and 41 pilgrims were seriously injured in the attack, aimed at unleashing terror among the general public and those visiting the state of Jammu & Kashmir for pilgrimage. The firing had caused the bus driver to lose control after he was hit on the head with a bullet. The bus then rolled into a deep gorge, leading to the tragic deaths and injuries, the statement said.

The statement said that NIA, which was directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, to take over the investigation, had arrested Hakam after detailed investigations and examination of evidence. Hakam had confessed to being part of the conspiracy behind the attack, which was executed by three terrorists with his active logistic support, NIA investigations revealed. Besides providing them with food and stay arrangements, he had helped the terrorists in identifying the attack spot, NIA further found.

Investigations in the case RC-02/2024/NIA/JMU are continuing, the statement added.