Srinagar, Dec 14: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against one accused in connection with the deadly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori, Ransoo, to Katra and it was presented before the NIA Special Court in Jammu on Saturday.
A NIA spokesman said that in its chargesheet before the Special Court, Jammu, the agency has arrested accused Hakam Khan @ Hakim Din under various sections of IPC AND UA(P) Act.
“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,” he said.
The spokesman said that 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.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile 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 spokesman said.
Earlier this year, NIA conducted searches at 5 multiple locations in Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir in connection with the Reasi terrorist attack.
Meanwhile police had also announced a reward of rupees 20 lakh for any fruitful information about the whereabouts of the terrorist involved in the attack on the yatri bus.
The sketch of the terrorist was prepared based on the disclosure and description of eyewitnesses. As per police 2-3 terrorists, including a local helper, were involved in the attack.
