Pathankot attack: 4 or 6 terrorists, NIA wants to re-confirm

New Delhi, March 21: The National Investigation Agency does not want to take any chances in the probe into the Pathankot attack. It will now send for re-examination the charred remains found at the second encounter spot to ascertain whether there were six or four terrorists.

The forensic test that the NIA received recently suggested that there were human remains, but could not source DNA samples as they were completely charred. There was a major confusion over the number of terrorists at the Pathankot air base.

While on day one four terrorists were killed, an encounter raged on for another 60 hours in which it was stated that a gun battle was on with two more.

Not taking chances

With the Special Investigation Team scheduled to arrive at Pathankot on March 27, the NIA does not want to take any chances. Any wrong information if found in the probe at India could weaken the case considerably.

Moreover Pakistan is likely to cling on to that point in case of a mistake and would put the onus back on India to get its facts right.

It may be recalled that an intercept picked up at the time of the attack heard one of the handlers telling the terrorist, " they do not even know how many of you are there." The NIA wants to be doubly sure and hence wants to send the samples for re-examination.

The first forensic report took a considerable amount of time. The NIA had to even sent two reminders. The report stated that the charred remains are that of a juman male, but the identity could not be ascertained as it was not possible to obtain DNA samples.

Apart from being sure before the Pakistan team visits India, the NIA also does not want any trouble in a court of law. The courts could pass adverse comments hampering the trial in case the facts of the case are not right.

Before going any further into the probe, the NIA wants to make sure that it has the number of terrorists right.

OneIndia News