Pulwama terror attack vehicle owner identified by NIA

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Srinagar – NIA has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the terror attack on CRPF convoy that took place on 14 Feb, 2019. Piecing together remnants of the vehicle used by the suicide bomber in the Pulwama terror attack on CRPF convoy, from the scene of incident, NIA investigators, with the support of forensic and automobile experts have been able to identify the vehicle used for the blast.

A Maruti Ecco vehicle having Chassis number MA3ERLF1SOO183735 Engine G12BN164140 was sold to Md Jaleel Ahmed Haqani a resident of Heaven colony, Anantnag in the year 2011. It subsequently exchanged hands seven times and finally reached Sajjad Bhat son of Md Maqbool Bhat resident of Bijbehara, District Anantnag who had acquired the vehicle on 4.2.2019. Sajjad was a student of Siraj-ul-Uloom, Shopain.

A raid was conducted by NIA team at his house with the help of J&K Police on 23rd February. However, Sajjad was found not present in his house and thereafter has been evading arrest since then. He has reportedly now joined JeM.

A photograph to this effect has also appeared in social media where Sajjad is seen holding weapons.

In compliance to MHA Order dated 19 February 2019, NIA has registered case RC02/2019/NIA/JMU at NIA Police Station, Jammu on 20.02.2019, u/s 302, 307 of RPC, Section 3 of Explosive Substance Act & Sections 16, 18 and 20 of UA (P) Act.

On 14.02.2019, terrorists from proscribed terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) carried out a gruesome terrorist attack with explosive laden vehicle on CRPF convoy at Lethpura on National Highway, while it was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. 40 CRPF personnel attained martyrdom and a number of them were injured in the incident. A case no. 20/2019 was initially registered at PS Awantipora in this regard which has been taken over by NIA now.

An NIA team alongwith explosive and forensic experts had already been deputed to assist J&K police in investigation since 15.02.2019.