The case relates to a terror attack on civilians in Dhangri village on January 1, 2023, followed by an IED blast the next day. Seven civilians, including two children, were killed while several others were severely injured in the attacks.
According to the NIA, three of the chargesheeted individuals are LeT handlers, identified as Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt, Mohd Qasim and Abu Qatal, alias Qatal Sindhi. “While Abu Qatal and Sajid Jutt are Pakistani nationals, Qasim had exfiltrated to Pakistan sometime around 2002 and had joined the LeT terrorist ranks there.
As per investigations, the trio had orchestrated the recruitment and dispatch of LeT terrorists from Pakistan to target innocent civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as security personnel,” the agency said.
The attacks were carried out under the directions of these Pakistan-based handlers. Saifullah along with Mohd Qasim and Abu Qatal had come to India during 2002-03 and were active in the Poonch-Rajouri range, along with other terrorists. The other two chargesheeted accused are Nisar Ahmed and Mushtaq Hussain who are Overground Workers of the LeT and are residents of Poonch. The duo was arrested during the course of the investigations by the NIA.
It was found during investigations that they had provided logistical support to the terrorists on the directions of Abu Qatal. Along with a juvenile, who was also apprehended for aiding and abetting the perpetrators, they had provided food, shelter, and other types of logistical support to the terrorists for approximately three months following the attack in Dhangri. They had also attempted to conceal evidence by destroying the mobile phone used for clandestine communication with the Pakistan-based LeT commanders, according to the NIA.Nisar had also received consignment of arms, ammunition and cash sent by the Pakistan-based handlers for the terrorists. Investigations have revealed that Nisar had come in contact with Abu Qatal during the latter’s stay in India. He had remained in touch with Abu Qatal even after the latter’s return to Pakistan.
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