In a decisive move aimed at dismantling terrorist networks in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against five individuals, including three fugitive Pakistan-based handlers associated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, in connection with the January 2023 Rajouri attacks.
The case, registered under RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU, revolves around a barbaric terrorist assault on civilians in the village of Dhangri, Rajouri district, on January 1, 2023, followed by an IED blast the subsequent day. The attacks resulted in the tragic loss of seven innocent lives, including two children, and left numerous others severely injured.
Among those charged are three LeT handlers 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 infiltrated to Pakistan around 2002 and had since joined the LeT terrorist ranks there.
Investigations reveal that these handlers 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 executed under the directives of these Pakistan-based handlers.
Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt currently holds a prominent position as a LeT Commander and was instrumental in masterminding the conspiracy from Pakistan, along with the other two. Mohd Qasim serves as the right-hand man of highly placed LeT Commanders. Abu Qatal, who operated in the Poonch-Rajouri range since 2002-03, collaborated with other terrorists within India.
Additionally, two other accused, Nisar Ahmed alias Haji Nisar and Mushtaq Hussain alias Chacha, both Overground workers (OGWs) of LeT, were arrested during the course of the investigations by the NIA. They provided logistical support to the terrorists as directed by Abu Qatal and, along with a juvenile apprehended for aiding and abetting the attackers, furnished food, shelter, and other forms of assistance to the terrorists for approximately three months following the Dhangri attack. They also attempted to destroy evidence, including a mobile phone used for clandestine communication with the Pakistan-based LeT commanders.Further investigations uncovered that Nisar had received arms, ammunition, and cash from the Pakistan-based handlers for the terrorists. He had maintained contact with Abu Qatal even after the latter’s return to Pakistan.
The chargesheet, filed today, implicates the arrested individuals and the Pakistan-based handlers under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The final report against the apprehended juvenile will be submitted to the Honorable Juvenile Justice Board, Rajouri, in due course. This action underscores the NIA’s relentless pursuit of justice and its commitment to combating terrorism, ensuring peace, and safeguarding the lives of civilians in the region.
