The attack, which occurred on July 22, 2025, in the Baisaran valley, around six kilometres from Pahalgam, targeted tourists based on their religious identity. Following the attack, security forces launched Operation Mahadev on July 28 in the Harwan forest near Srinagar, resulting in the killing of all three terrorists involved, including the main accused, Hashim Musa.
Sources revealed that the terrorists were linked to the banned organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Sajid Jatt, based in Pakistan, has been identified as the operations chief of LeT and the primary handler of the Pahalgam attack.
The NIA chargesheet details the role of two local men, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam, who provided food, shelter, and logistical support to the terrorists at a seasonal hut before the attack. The men were arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and have reportedly revealed critical information regarding the identities and movements of the attackers.
The investigation, registered as RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, underscores the agency’s ongoing probe into the planning, execution, and local support network behind one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
The chargesheet aims to bring all responsible individuals, including those who harboured and assisted the terrorists, to justice. Authorities have stressed that the detailed documentation will strengthen prosecution and ensure accountability for the brutal targeting of civilians.
Security experts said the filing demonstrates India’s continued focus on counter-terrorism operations and the dismantling of networks facilitating attacks from across the border.
