Jammu, June 24, 2025 – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has secured a five-day custody of two men arrested in connection with the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that took place on April 22. A local court in Jammu on Monday granted the NIA the remand for Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, both residents of Pahalgam. They will remain in NIA custody until June 27.
The arrests, made by the NIA on Sunday, mark a key development in the investigation into the attack which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and left 16 others injured. The agency views these arrests as the first major breakthrough in the case.
According to NIA investigations, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam, allegedly provided shelter, food, and other support to the three Pakistani terrorists responsible for the attack. The two men reportedly harbored the armed terrorists at a seasonal hut (dhok) in Hill Park before the incident.
During questioning, the arrested individuals have given out details about the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack. They have also confirmed that these terrorists were Pakistani nationals and belonged to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred in the Baisaran Valley, was a gruesome act where terrorists reportedly targeted tourists based on their religious identity. The victims included 25 tourists and one local pony owner who attempted to fight back. The incident sent shockwaves across the region and the country. Among the victims were individuals from various Indian states, including West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and others. Several newlywed couples were also among those killed.
The NIA has been actively investigating the case, gathering evidence that includes eyewitness accounts, video footage, and other technical information. Before these arrests, the agency had questioned over 200 people, including local pony operators, shopkeepers, and photographers, in its effort to piece together the events leading up to the attack and identify those responsible.
The investigation continues as the NIA aims to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind this tragic attack and bring all those involved to justice. The agency stated that more details about the identities of the terrorists will be shared at the right time.