Pahalgam Terror Attack: NIA Names Pakistan-Based Lashkar Offshoot Chief Sajid Jutt as Mastermind

Pakistan's role in the Pahalgam terror attack has come under sharp focus after the National Investigation Agency named Sajid Saifullah Jutt, a Pakistan-based terrorist, as the chief conspirator behind the April 22 strike that killed 26 tourists.

The agency said its findings emerged after months of investigation into the Lashkar-e-Taiba network and its proxy outfit operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sajid Jutt Named Key Conspirator by NIA

The NIA identified Jutt, a resident of Pakistan's Kasoor, as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack. He heads The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, which investigators say was directly involved in planning and executing the assault.

The agency announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to Jutt's arrest and confirmed that he has been declared a proscribed terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Chargesheet Filed After Extensive Probe

A chargesheet was filed in an NIA court in the Jammu region following nearly eight months of investigation. Along with Jutt, the chargesheet names three Pakistani terrorists, Suleimani Shah, Hamza Afghani and Jibran, who carried out the attack on the ground. All three were killed during Operation Mahadev in the Dachigam area on July 28.

The probe involved questioning more than 1,000 individuals over seven months, allowing investigators to piece together the operational structure of the LeT and TRF network behind the attack.

Role of Local Accomplices Detailed

The chargesheet also names six other accused, including local residents Bashir Ahmed Jothar, Parvez Ahmed Jothar and Mohammad Yusuf Katari, for providing logistical support to the attackers.

Investigators said Bashir and Parvez sheltered the Pahalgam attackers in a hut in the Hill Park area on the night of April 21. Mohammad Yusuf allegedly assisted the terrorists by guiding them through the forest belt of South Kashmir and helping them reach the attack site undetected. Three more individuals have also been named for their involvement.

Terror Charges and Legal Provisions Invoked

According to the NIA, the LeT, TRF and the accused terrorists have been charged under multiple laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the Arms Act 1959 and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967.

"In its chargesheet, the NIA has also invoked penal provisions relating to waging war against the Government of India," the agency said.