The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its probe into the 2005 Red Fort terror attack, carrying out a series of coordinated searches in South Kashmir. The operation, conducted on a recent morning, targeted locations in the Pulwama district as part of the ongoing investigation into the decades-old case.
Fresh Searches in Pulwama District
According to official sources, the federal anti-terror agency executed searches at multiple premises in the Lassipora area of Pulwama. The action is linked to the agency's efforts to unravel the conspiracy behind the December 22, 2005 blast at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. The explosion had resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including two security personnel.
The NIA's latest move is aimed at gathering further digital and documentary evidence related to the case. Investigators are focusing on tracing the networks involved in planning, funding, and executing the attack. The agency has stated that the searches were conducted based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of material linked to the terror funding and support structure of the accused.
Revisiting the 2005 Red Fort Attack Case
The infamous Red Fort attack case has seen a long and complex legal journey. The initial investigation pointed towards the involvement of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Several individuals were arrested and prosecuted over the years.
In a significant development in 2022, the NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against six accused. These individuals were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. The agency alleged that these accused were part of a deep-rooted conspiracy and were involved in channeling funds for the terror act.
The key accused named in the NIA's chargesheet include:
- Mohammad Arif alias Ashfaq
- Farooq Ahmed Bhat
- Mohammad Rafiq Shah
- Mohammad Hussain Fazili
- Mirza Iftikhar Baig
- Abdul Rehman Gani
The NIA has asserted that the attack was carried out on the instructions of LeT commanders based across the border.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The recent searches underscore the NIA's commitment to pursuing all leads in this high-profile terror case, even years after the incident. The agency is meticulously working to establish the complete chain of events, from the procurement of explosives to the final execution of the plot.
The focus remains on dismantling any remaining support networks and establishing the full extent of the terror funding pipeline. The evidence collected during the Pulwama searches is currently being analyzed, and the NIA has indicated that further investigative steps will follow based on the findings.
This operation highlights the continuous efforts of Indian security agencies to deliver justice in major terror cases and send a strong message against impunity for such acts. The Red Fort, a symbol of India's sovereignty and historical heritage, was targeted in an attempt to undermine national security, making this investigation a matter of paramount importance for the investigative bodies.
