Pathankot Attack: NIA files charge sheet against JeM chief Masood Azhar
NEW DELHI : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today filed a chargesheet against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and others for their alleged involvement in the Pathankot terror attack. Sources said, in a comprehensive charge sheet filed at Panchkula Special Court , NIA has highlighted the role of terror group Jaish in spreading mayhem in India and referred to the nefarious plans of the outfit.
The chargesheet names Masood Azhar as the mastermind of the January 2 attack in which seven security men were killed. Abdul Asghar, Shahid Latif and Kashif Jan are named as the handlers for the heavily armed terrorists who stormed into the base and were killed in a nearly three day operation.
The four terrorists who were shot dead were all named as Pakistani residents Nasir Hussain, Hafiz Abu Bakar, Umar Farooq and Abdul Qayum.
The chargesheet submitted at a court in Punjab today cites as evidence DNA samples, food packets from Pakistan found in the forests, a walkie talkie set and a note found from a car used by the terrorists to drive to the base, which said “Jaish e Mohammed Zindabad…”
DNA from a soft drink can in the hijacked car of Punjab Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh matched the samples of one of the terrorists killed in the attack.
Azhar’s brother Rauf Asghar is accused of posting a video message after the attack claiming responsibility and praising the role of Azhar, who was released in exchange for passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 in 1999.
The charge sheet is likely to be used by New Delhi internationally to highlight the role of Masood Azhar and his outfit in terror strikes in India.
The government confronted opposition criticism as allowed a team of Pakistani officials, including those from its Inter Services Intelligence or ISI to inspect Pathankot as part of its investigations. The Pakistani team, on returning home, claimed that India hadn’t shared much evidence and not allowed it to interrogate security personnel either.
Earlier this year, China blocked India’s attempts to get UN sanctions against Azhar and his group.Sources said, in a comprehensive charge sheet filed at Panchkula Special Court , NIA has highlighted the role of terror group Jaish in spreading mayhem in India and referred to the nefarious plans of the outfit.
The charge sheet is likely to be used by India at various international fora to highlight the role of Masood Azhar in Pathankot terror strike carried out on January 2 this year. The Home Ministry had provided approval to NIA to file the charge sheet against Azhar and others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
