NIA Chief Visits Pahalgam to Oversee Terror Attack Probe
In a critical step toward advancing the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Sadanand Date arrived in Pahalgam on May 1, 2025. Accompanied by senior NIA officials, the visit marks a strategic effort to assess the ground situation and guide the ongoing probe into the massacre that killed 26 civilians, most of them tourists.
The NIA has intensified its investigation by deploying advanced forensic tools, including three-dimensional (3D) mapping technology. This method allows investigators to digitally reconstruct the crime scene, trace the movements of the attackers, and identify possible routes of escape. The technology has previously proven effective in high-impact terror investigations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the assailants had conducted reconnaissance missions in the area days before the attack. Locations such as Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and even a nearby amusement park were reportedly surveyed before the attackers settled on Baisaran Valley as their target. Security presence in other locations reportedly deterred them, making the secluded Baisaran meadow their chosen site for the attack.
Intelligence sources have suggested the use of sophisticated communication devices by the terrorists, possibly ultra-shortwave systems that operate independently of traditional SIM cards, allowing secure and untraceable messaging. These systems point to a level of technological support that raises further questions about cross-border planning.
The NIA has released sketches of the three suspects involved in the attack. Two of them have been identified as Pakistani nationals, allegedly linked to the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. Authorities have announced a cash reward of ₹20 lakh for any credible information leading to their capture or neutralization.
Director General Sadanand Date’s visit underscores the seriousness with which the agency is pursuing leads. By coordinating closely with intelligence and paramilitary units on the ground, the NIA aims to dismantle the network behind the attack and deliver swift justice.
This renewed push is part of India’s broader counter-terrorism strategy in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the government’s commitment to preventing such atrocities and reinforcing national security.
