Sketches of suspected terrorists released, NIA joins probe

Srinagar, Apr 23: Security agencies on Wednesday released black-and-white pencil sketches of three terrorists suspected to be behind the brutal terror attack that left 26 people dead ñ mostly tourists - at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in south Kashmir.

The suspects have been identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha, who go by the code names Moosa, Yunus, and Asif.

Officials said that the trio had been previously linked to terror-related activities in Poonch.

According to initial findings, the attackers had helmet-mounted cameras and reportedly recorded the assault.

“The location was strategically chosen as it lacks road access and is reachable only by foot or pony, making it difficult for security forces to reach quickly,” a senior official said.

Meanwhile, a team of senior National Investigation Agency (NIA) officers, led by an Inspector General, arrived in Pahalgam on Wednesday to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Official sources said that the agency’s team visited the site of the attack – Baisaran meadow - and began assisting the investigation. While the case is currently being handled by the local Police, it is likely that the NIA will soon take over the investigation following the registration of an FIR, making this the agency’s primary case.

One of the sources in the security establishment said that preliminary investigations reveal that at least four terrorists, dressed in camouflage clothing and kurta pyjamas, stormed the Baisaran meadow with sophisticated American-made M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles. Over 50 used cartridges were recovered from the scene by Tuesday evening.

The hunt is now underway to track down the assailants, and security agencies are relying on sketches, eyewitness accounts, and surveillance inputs to narrow down the attackers’ movements. Meanwhile, the J&K Police has announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for providing any information that leads to the terrorists involved in the killings of tourists and locals in Baisaran.