Pathankot attacks, a comedy of errors? Terrorists carried medicines and perfume

Pathankot, Jan 14: While several questions still remain unanswered in the Pathankot attacks, recent revelations about what the terrorists carried got investigators confused.

Among a band of AK-47 assault rifles, a grenade launcher, and a dagger, there were cough tablets and bottles of perfume. They also carried wire cutters, which emphasises their moduc operandi in entering the highly secured premises. In fact, it is now being confirmed that the terrorists scaled the 11-ft wall and by cutting wires.

A detailed list of arms revealed by the Air Force comprises four AK-47 assault rifles, three pistols, one Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, 29 AK-47 magazines, seven pistol magazines, 559 live rounds of 7.62 ammunition, 47 pistol rounds, a dagger, a multi-tool, a black-coloured wire tape, a first-aid box and a knife pad. 21 grenades were also destroyed by the NSG and the Army.

The first aid box contained four painkiller injections, one syringe, an eye drop, seven painkiller tablets, 21 cough tablets, two bandages (1×10 cm and 1×4 cm), two Betadine ointments, a burn set and three vials of ithar (perfume).

Two Rs 500 notes and an inspirational note by the Jaish-e-Muhammad and two combat rucksacks. A Chinese wireless set was discovered from Punjab SP Salwinder Singh's car, which was hijacked by the terrorists in the intervening night of December 31-January 1. Incidentally, this set was similar to those found at the site of attack in Samba sector in Jammu and Kashmir. This implies that the attacks were carried out by the same group.

The four AK 47s recovered from the site, however, give rise to another question: how can six terrorists operate with 4 rifles. NIA is now investigating whether these rifles can completely melt, without leaving any traces in a powerful explosion.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar confirmed that the markings on the ammunitions and equipment proved that they had been brought from across the border. Even the markings on the medicines proved the same.

Meanwhile, Gurdaspur SP Salwinder Singh and his cook are being examined at the NIA headquarters and the route which the terrorists took is being determined. CCTV footage from this route is being collected and the villages are being scoured for any evidence like clothes or ammunitions left behind by the terrorists.

OneIndia News