 "AP/File Photo")
A Jammu court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) another 45-day extension to complete its investigation into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 25 tourists and a local resident dead, The Indian Express reported.
The extension, approved on October 30 by Additional Sessions Judge Sandeep Gandotra — designated as a special NIA judge — gives the agency more time to file a chargesheet against accused locals Bashir Ahmad Jothatd and Parvaiz Ahmed. The two were arrested for allegedly harbouring the attackers and providing them with food and logistical support.
Awaiting forensic reports
The NIA told the court it had made “substantial progress” in the case but was still waiting for forensic reports on DNA, ballistics, IED components, and digital data recovered from three slain Pakistani terrorists — Suleman Shah, Hamza Afghani and Jibran — believed to have carried out the attack.
Court cites complexity of probe
Defence counsel Ashwani Kumar opposed the plea, arguing the NIA had “already been given sufficient time” but failed to produce direct evidence. However, the court noted that the probe was being conducted “in a proper and professional manner” and that the “complex and sensitive” nature of the evidence justified an extension.
Judge calls for speedy completion
The judge directed investigators to complete the probe and submit the final report “as soon as possible,” describing the Pahalgam attack as a “heinous act” that “shocked the entire Union Territory.”
Earlier plea for narco test rejected
In August, the court had dismissed the NIA’s request to conduct narco-analysis and polygraph tests on the accused, ruling that such “involuntary administration of scientific techniques” would violate Article 20(3) of the Constitution, which guarantees protection against self-incrimination.