NIA Breakthrough: Two arrested for harboring militants in Rajouri’s Dhangri civilian killings case

In a significant breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two individuals for their involvement in harboring terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of five innocent civilians in Dhangri village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, earlier this year.

The suspects, identified as Nisar Ahmed, also known as Haji Nisar, and Mushtaq Hussain, were formally taken into custody by the NIA on Thursday as part of the case (RC-01/2023/NIA/JMU). They were subsequently presented before the NIA Special Court in Jammu on Friday, where they were remanded to 12 days of NIA custody. Intriguingly, both individuals were already incarcerated in Central Jail, Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, facing charges related to another case registered at Police Station Gursai, Mendhar, District Poonch.

The heinous incident, which occurred on January 1, 2023, resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, with several others sustaining severe injuries in an attack carried out by unidentified terrorists. The case was initially filed as FIR no. 01/2023 at PS Rajouri under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and Arms Act. The NIA took control and re-registered the case on January 13.

NIA’s exhaustive investigations exposed the complicity of the arrested individuals in providing refuge to the terrorists responsible for the heart-wrenching civilian killings. It was revealed that they had extended logistical support to the terrorists for over two months and had concealed them in a covert hideout. This hideout, constructed at the behest of handlers from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), namely Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt, Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi, and Mohd. Qasim.

During the investigation process linked to the Dhangri civilian killings case, NIA teams conducted extensive operations in the rugged terrains of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Their relentless pursuit led to the identification and apprehension of Nisar Ahmed and Mushtaq Hussain for their involvement in establishing the hideout.

The NIA’s inquiry into the case is on as it continues to delve deeper into the intricate web of terror networks and their affiliates.