Pathankot Attack: NIA names JeM chief Azhar, aides proclaimed offenders

The National Investigation Agency has filed a charge-sheet against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Chief Masood Azhar for orchestrating the Pathankot Airbase Terror Attack in January 2016.

The charge-sheet in the case provides evidence on the attack at the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot.

It also linked JeM with blasts in Samba, Tangdhar, Kathua, and Rajbagh in Jammu & Kashmir in 2015.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) named Masood Azhar's brother Abdul Rauf Asghar in the charge-sheet along with two handlers Shahid Latif and Kashif Jan.

They have been charged for offences under various Indian Penal Code sections, including the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The charge-sheet has been filed in the Panchkula Special Court.

The Pathankot Attack was reportedly planned by JeM operative Shahid Latif at a meeting in Pakistan's Sialkot in April 2014.

Latif, who trained the potential attackers with the help of 'Google Maps', believed it was "easy" to launch the strike on Pathankot Airbase as it was surrounded by forests.

The attack claimed eight lives, including that of seven security personnel and injured over 38.

Despite repeated reminders through the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Pakistan didn't provide any evidence in the Pathankot case.

The country also remained silent on allowing the NIA team's visit; it, however, hasn't given access to Azhar and other suspects.

It hasn't acted on Interpol's red corner notice issued against all suspects, which shared evidence like terrorists' telephone conversations, addresses, family details, financial details, etc.

The Pathankot attackers' main handler, Kashif Jan, claimed he planned attacks at Kathua and Samba on 20-21 Mar'15 in his Facebook messages.

He was in touch with the Pathankot attackers over the phone during the strike.

Three died in the first series of Kathua attacks; NIA claimed it recovered digital and documentary evidence pointing to JeM's involvement in the Samba and Rajbagh attacks too.

In an official statement to the NIA, an air force officer has alleged that the NSG ignored a distress call made by guards who were pinned down by terrorists during the Pathankot attack.

Wing Commander Abhijit Sarin said the NSG commander ignored his pleas to organise a rescue party.

However, NSG sources contradicted Sarin, saying "there was a chance of friendly fire."

The NIA has named JeM Chief Maulana Masood Azhar and his accomplices as proclaimed offenders under its chargesheet. The NIA also stated that a red corner notice was issued against Azhar and his associates.

They have also forwarded a dossier to the CBI who will follow up with Interpol.

The move seeks to increase international pressure on Pakistan.