More than seven years after the Pulwama terror attack that killed dozens of CRPF personnel, four major accused linked to the conspiracy continue to evade arrest, with investigators claiming that senior operatives associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed are still believed to be operating from Pakistan.
According to details mentioned in the National Investigation Agency’s charge sheet, the absconding accused include Masood Azhar, his brother Abdul Rauf Asghar, senior commander Ammar Alvi and Kashmiri operative Ashaq Ahmed Nengroo.
Investigators have identified three of the accused as Pakistani nationals linked to the top leadership of Jaish-e-Mohammed, while Nengroo, originally from Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly helped facilitate logistical and operational support before later escaping to Pakistan.
The Pulwama attack, one of the deadliest terror strikes in recent years, took place in February 2019 when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force personnel.
NIA Names Multiple Conspirators
The investigation agency had earlier filed an extensive charge sheet naming several individuals accused of involvement in planning, financing and executing the attack.
Among those arrested during the probe were local operatives and alleged facilitators from Jammu and Kashmir, including individuals accused of arranging shelter, transport and communication support for the attackers.
The probe also identified several terrorists who were later killed during encounters with security forces or died during the execution of the attack itself.
These included suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar, Pakistani explosives expert Mohammad Umar Farooq and multiple Jaish-e-Mohammed commanders accused of coordinating operations in the Valley.
Pakistan-Based Leadership Under Scanner
Security agencies have repeatedly maintained that senior Jaish leadership based in Pakistan played a central role in directing the conspiracy and supporting terror infrastructure linked to the attack.
India has consistently raised the issue of cross-border terrorism at international forums and demanded stronger action against individuals and organisations accused of orchestrating attacks from Pakistani soil.
The Pulwama attack had sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan in 2019 and triggered major diplomatic and military developments between the two countries.
Investigation Still Active
Officials said the case remains under active investigation, with agencies continuing efforts to track the remaining accused and gather additional evidence related to the larger terror network.
The NIA has also continued legal proceedings against the arrested accused under anti-terror laws, while intelligence agencies remain focused on dismantling support systems linked to Pakistan-based terror outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
